Reviews
PICK ME EP
EP launch - 7/12/05 "Clwb Ifor Bach is rammed tonight, packed to bursting for Halflight’s EP launch. With an already sizeable fanbase hanging on every note, the pure tones of gifted vocalist Sarah Howells (at times eerily reminiscent of both PJ Harvey and Tori Amos) effortlessly propel Halflight way above their musical peers. An epic performance of lead single ‘Pick Me’ provides a genuine hair-raising moment and at this point one starts to wonder whether perhaps Halflight’s future lies not on these shores but in the US market. 2006 should be interesting." James Hannan, The Fly Magazine
EP launch - 7/12/05 "Clwb Ifor Bach is rammed tonight, packed to bursting for Halflight’s EP launch. With an already sizeable fanbase hanging on every note, the pure tones of gifted vocalist Sarah Howells (at times eerily reminiscent of both PJ Harvey and Tori Amos) effortlessly propel Halflight way above their musical peers. An epic performance of lead single ‘Pick Me’ provides a genuine hair-raising moment and at this point one starts to wonder whether perhaps Halflight’s future lies not on these shores but in the US market. 2006 should be interesting." James Hannan, The Fly Magazine
****“Following on from their Subside EP, Cardiff based Halflight have made a major leap forward with this new mini album (Pick Me). Centred around singer and songwriter Sarah Howells, her sensitive voice is complemented perfectly by cello, guitars and drums to create a record of lyrical depth – best displayed on the title track and the stunning Mari." Christopher Rees @ The Western Mail
“Cardiff band Halflight follow up their critically acclaimed debut EP, Subside with this beautiful collection of six emotionally tender songs. Although there’s little to differentiate between them in terms of style or pace, the band make good use of instrumentation, with Sarah Howells’ gorgeous silky vocals complemented by warming cellos and minimal accompaniment. All that’s needed now is a couple of faster numbers to add some variation to what is otherwise an accomplished musical work."
Cathryn Scott @ The Big Issue
Cathryn Scott @ The Big Issue
"If you're fed up of fake female singer songwriters sound tracking a furniture advert, then come get the real deal." Subba-Cultcha.com
"Reminiscent of the fragile moments of Garbage, perhaps - the howl and pain of Shirley Manson replaced by equally entrancing Sarah Howells' delicate emotion." Thisisfakediy.com
"Halflight have created a sound all their own, and it is wonderful to listen to." NationalGigGuide.com
"..The songs are sung with a lot of passion and warmth and are what makes the EP stand out from others...I can see many people falling in love with the simple yet haunting Halflight." Comfortcomes.com
SUBSIDE EP
“…Their songs charm you with their subtle power, their glorious melodies, and soaring hooks…I love this record, I love this band ”
Subba-cultcha.com
“ Damn this is gorgeous; I’d almost forgotten what it was like to fall head over heels in love with a record. Now its not often that you get a CD that simply forces you to stand in awe muttering wooaa,but then not many records are like this debut outing from Halflight.” LosingToday.com
“…written with insight and performed with a gentle
passion…. Halflight prove to be a new jewel in the crown of Welsh music”
Big Issue
“…this e.p. manages the rare distinction of being
both affecting and uplifting at one and the same time. Not to mention heartbreakingly
beautiful...” TuneTown Magazine
"......It is the genuine feel of Halflight's songs
that makes them stand out. Where other similar artists sound as if they've
had some clever producer-bloke knock up some acoustic tracks, Sarah Howells
sings with conviction.” Rawkstar.net
“…Spectral electric guitar lines are backed by
a yearning cello. Sarah stretches her voice to the limit, producing a melancholic
and starkly emotive sound…” God
is in the T.V.
“..it seems there is a resurgent interest in taking heartfelt words and encapsulating them in beautiful, haunting music without verbosity or pretension. With fine exponents like Halflight around,let’s hope that’s not just a trend…” VanityProject.co.uk
“…Absolutely beautiful voice. The music is really haunting. Really draws me in ” ExtremeIndieRadio.com