The Hallows are an Alternative Pop group who formed in London after a decade of spending time hanging out and playing music together.
The name 'Hallows' came from a lyric found in their debut Album. When they heard it while listening to the track it made sense for their name, "I woke up one morning and it suddenly seemed an obvious choice," says Joe Rodriguez (Drums).
"It’s believed that the four elements – air, fire, earth and water – are known as ‘hallows’, and they feature strongly in the
lyrics of our songs, so we all felt the name was a perfect fit." The trio also consists of Sarah Rodriguez (vocals/keys/synths) and Dave Pugh (Bass).
Influences are very varied from Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley and Fleetwood Mac (Sarah), Queen, Radiohead and The Police (Joe), and Dave is a fan of The Beatles, Queens Of The Stoneage and Rage Against The Machine.
The group went into Riverside Studios in Bath to lay down the debut album, 'Of Time and Tides', alongside producer Seb Pecchia (Robert Plant’s Mighty Rearranger).
It was mastered by Andy ‘Hippy’ Baldwin at Metropolis Studios, London. The 12 track album is released on 26th August, with the single, Angel, launched on the same date. And they also have a remix of their song Element, (produced by Seb alongside Goldfrapp bassist and Grammy-winning Charlie Jones) on the cards as well as a tour in August. A very busy month and summer for the British band.
The Hallows make music which is very easy to listen to with a multitude of memorable melodies and sophisticated production. You can't help but hear similarities with Kate Bush and Tori Amos, but they very much have their own style. 'Angel' is a slow-build ballad with languid guitar and rumbling drums with Sarah's sweet soprano vocals floating over the top. It is very atmospheric musically and visually. The rock guitar solo towards the end and change of pace adds another layer to an already versatile and fascinating track. The music video is quite gothic with many dynamic elements such as the characters getting ready to prepare for a battle. The fire stands out against the dark shadows and it overtakes everything by the end of the song. It is ethereal and daring at the same time.
The album contains many songs as compelling as 'Angel'. Rich and warm, there are sweeping symphonic songs such as 'At The End' and 'Little Wildling'. Tracks including 'Element', 'Cardboard Love' and 'Bloodlines' are atmospheric, soft and soothing, 'Hourglass' has an addictive electronic beat at the beginning and pulsing through the track alongside folk and country elements. ' There are elements of pop in 'Turn This Tide' and a beautiful piano ballad in 'Hideaway.'
It's an admirable album; potent and unique and in the words of The Hallows, "punchy, atmospheric pop with a big sound."
The single 'Angel' and album ‘Of Times and Tides’ will be released on 26th August
