Victorian Halls – Victorian Halls EP Review
From Chicago, this self-dubbed garage/powerpop indie quartet is definitely unlike anything I have ever heard. Their sound is so crazily complex that it really begins to grow on you and stretches the boundaries of mainstream pop. They combine so many different elements from the pop/punk/garage/rock genres and mash them together. To me, they sound like if I were to open Pandora’s box of Music, this EP would start playing…and that’s a good thing. If you read the reviews (who put it much more eloquently than I do) you’ll find phrases like “rhythmic brilliance” (Aiding & Abetting) “sirening guitar riffs” (Delusions of Adequacy) and “outlandishly complex and unpredictable” (Babysue), to describe the band, all of which are bang-on.
The first track I listened to was called “Desperate Storyline”. Needless to say, I was a little taken aback at the fist listen, but when it was done, I needed to hear more. The high-pitched, almost theatrical vocals combined with a roaring beat are evidence of the band’s talent, but what really ties is all together distinguishing them as a truly unique band is the piano. The piano adds a pop-ier sound, adding more of a theatrical quality. “It’s Not Fad, It’s Etiquette” is another song that has a chaotic rhythm thanks mainly to the piano.
Honestly, this band is not normally what I would listen to, but after this EP I am definitely a fan. In every song they have this insane beat with vocals that you’ll never hear on any mainstream pop-punk album. So if you’re looking for a completely original, punchy band, you need to pick up this awesome EP. Hear more from Victorian Halls on their official site and MySpace.
Victorian Halls – Desperate Storyline.mp3
Tags: EP
It is a good EP. I thought it sounded a lot like Jaguar Love.