Hallows - Talk To Me

Hallows return after a long layover from 2021's All That Is True LP released in the height of the global pandemic with a brand new single. The single is called Talk To Me and it yields an impressive statement on where Hallows' perpetually evolving sound is headed. This evolution is evident from Subtle to All That Is True. The vibe remains cold, dark, and clocked in a mysterious brand of darkwave flourishing in a realm of depressive and confusing modern times. There is a concentrated effort to keep the foundation of the overall sound intact. Vanee and Dom incorporate enough new strategies to turn heads. "Talk To Me" is only a small sample of the new music, but I can tell you Vanee's vocals stand out on this track. It seems like there is an unharnessed vocal range and, paired with the intricate sound arrangements, everything works to the artists' advantage. The synth work enhances the voice, and the transitions hammer home the completeness of the song. There is a chill in the air that was always present but this time around it appeals to me more. Perhaps it's the production, perhaps it's simply the approach or dare I say a natural maturation. Whatever it is, I like it. It's appealing, it's enchanting and it cracks the door open for a quick glimpse into what awaits in August with the new album, A Quieter Life. 


As for the visual, the video for "Talk To Me" has a seemingly straightforward message of self-destruction and the complexities of human frailty in a changing world. From my time as a bartender in nightclubs and live music venues, this behavior depicted in the video is all too common. I've seen it many times. It could be a cry for attention or worse: an addiction that leads down the road to darker and more destructive behaviors. The production is very well done, and I was torn as I watched "Talk To Me". Would I like this as much without the video? It's tough to say, but I did listen to the song many times and enjoyed it both visually and aurally. 


Hallows is an exceptional duo of Vanee and Dom now based in Los Angeles. Both share in all aspects of song writing, instrumentation and vocals. Check out All That Is True. This is a great starting point to explore deeper into the world of Hallows. Click here for the Bandcamp page. There are plenty of cool things to buy including a pre-order for the new album and a bunch of shirts. The vinyl, CDs and cassettes are very limited, so be swift or be sad! You have been warned!

A Quieter Life comes out August 30th and will be released on the band's label, Stoic Media in most formats and distributed by Beso de Muerte Records in the US and everywhere else by Young and Cold Records. 
Jun 13 2023