HAL...

venue:   Liverpool review date:   Monday, 23 May 2005 words by:   Richard de Pesando

review

"Where did they pop up from, haven’t they been around for years?"

"Aren’t they the band everyone says they love but nobody has actually listened to?"

"They're are the ones with the nice artwork with all the cutouts on it..."

etc.

I bet they get that a lot.

Their first proper headline tour, after supporting a veritable roll-call of the great and good, including Brendan Benson, Grandaddy, Doves and St Etienne - and acting as body doubles to the (wonderful) Magic Numbers. With frankly brilliant support before (during and after - judging by the tambourine playing) from the golden voiced Brendan Psychid. HAL are a revelation.

My lowest-key gig since Richmond Fontaine last September and possibly the biggest, sweetest surprise of the year. A bunch (well... four) charming Irishmen, some basic instruments and world class songs and lyrics, dedicated fanbase (grown-ups for a change) and an evening of melodic, slightly wistful and downright bloody tuneful music.

I really hope The Thrills get to see them and wish they'd kicked that west coast rubbish on the head years ago and been a proper band.

You can find out more at www.halmusic.com - its a really sweet little site, even with the sound down!