THE HALEM ALBRIGHT BAND

“The Halem Albright Band’s newest album, “Blue Moon Confessions” is titled perfectly – it really is the late-night album you need for all your introspection, love confessions and quiet contemplations. Mixing soulful jazz with the occasional country twang or techno sound, “Blue Moon Confessions” is perfect. The album starts out strong with “Come Back”. It begins with pounding drums and a smooth electric guitar, setting the tone for an ethereal and thought-provoking album. While this song may encourage listeners to ground themselves and “come back to earth” as the lyrics say, the rest of the album feels like floating through a hazy dreamscape. Next, “Lost In The Breeze” continues the smooth, jazzy vibes that “Come Back” begins with, this time with a slight island twang. “Lost In The Breeze” wants listeners to enjoy the ride and the memories being made along the way. The song captures the feeling of desire and longing, and the encouragement between partners about strengthening a relationship through continued work and connection. Then, “Some Kind Of Life” flips the script entirely, bringing listeners on a techno-jazz journey, with slight undertones of that island twang that “Lost In the Breeze” introduced. The background vocals bounce from ear to ear, making the listener feel enveloped in the music and lost in the moment. “Tower Of Hope, Crashing” continues with that techno-jazz sound, but cools it down a bit, adding in some repeated female vocals to compliment the male singer perfectly. “Sum’a Baby” is carried by its funky background bass, offering listeners a somewhat psychedelic vibe. The song is more low-key, allowing listeners to melt into the moment. The sound moves back and forth between headphones, making the song move all around the listener in a smooth, mind-bending experience as the retro synths and sultry vocals twist around you as the song comes to a slow, satisfying end. “Sendoff 14” continues that psychedelic tone, but moves the listener to a place of late-night introspection. The song focuses on the singer’s desire to remain in a relationship but knowing leaving is for the best, begging their partner to let them go and send them off. The song perfectly captures the feelings of despair that come with the end of a relationship, while also highlighting the hope that follows once you realize better things are to come once this moment has passed. “Burgundy and Gold” follows those breakup vibes, with the singer reminiscing on the better times of a relationship, hoping to stay in those times, even if only temporarily. This song feels like a response to “Sendoff 14”. “Sendoff 14” feels as though the singer knows a relationship is over and is looking forward to the future, knowing they will think of their past relationship fondly, while “Burgundy and Gold” feels as though the singer is hoping the relationship can hold on just a little longer, even if it must end eventually. “Burgundy and Gold” is heart-wrenching and stomach-churning in all the best ways. “Blue Eyed Ram” takes a sharp turn from the rest of the album. The song is darker, a little scary, and haunting with deep vocals. Where the rest of the album feels like an ethereal dreamscape, “Blue Eyed Ram” is a nightmare – and, surprisingly, one you want to get stuck in. The song stands out, hypnotizing the listener and demanding to be contemplated. Moving on to “Not Yet”, listeners are gently whisked back to the dream with a chilled background track and a passionate vocal track before being delivered to the country, homey vibe of “God”. The song skips along with a twangy guitar and bright, folksy vocals, it is the only acoustic song on the album, causing it to stand out in all the best ways. Finally, the album wraps up with “Werewolf on Strike,” which pulls in all the sounds from the album, culminating in a warm send-off. The song details the struggle of letting others in, but somehow finding that one person who makes it easy. The album is experimental, showcasing the band’s wide range of musical talents and proving that The Halem Albright Band is a force to be reckoned with. ” - Madeline A. S. Kilness

“Some albums can be reviewed after listening to only a few songs. Each song tells the same story or they all sound the same, but for The Halem Albright Band’s album, Blue Moon Confessions, this could not be further from the truth. Each song could be from a different album or era, or even a different artist, yet they all come together somehow, to form a classic, yet brand new sound. The opening track begins with a drum riff that sounds like a traditional rock song, but the album quickly revolutionizes past this idea, and by the third track, even lyrics are abandoned. Group lead, Halem Albright is not afraid to experiment with the transcendence of genre. He has worked with many great musicians in multiple different bands over the years, but it is Spencer Pope on the keyboard, Dustin Fennell on base, Nathan Bartlett on the drums, and John McCoy on percussion and vocals that have come together with him to form the beautiful collaboration of sounds that is The Halem Albright Band. Blue Moon Confessions takes the listener on a trip around different combinations of instruments, as well as a trip around their own mind. It takes notes from artists like Pink Floyd, in the echoing sound that puts one in a trance as if they are experiencing a psychedelic drug, as well as the haunting feeling of restlessness and questioning. It looks both outward to the world in a skeptical and pessimistic way, as well as having introspective songs that offer deep thought and wonder. One song could be considered funk, another could be jazz, some could be rock, and then the penultimate track, “God,” comes back to the folk genre. It is one of the few albums that truly cannot be bound to a genre. Even the experimental greats of music do not expand their horizons as much as this album. Some do not even cover as wide of a spectrum over their entire careers, much less over the course of a single album that spans thirteen songs and fifty-three minutes. In what could easily be a messy, convoluted jumble of sounds, The Halem Albright Band manages to combine the far reaches of the music world into one album that has appeal to Generation Alpha as much as it would for the Baby Boomers and anyone in between. It is a thought provoking piece of art that uses different methods to get its words across, sometimes even abandoning words altogether to let the listener absorb every bit of music they can.” - Logan Duffett

“The Halem Albright Band’s “Blue Moon Confessions” is a charming eclectic album full of funky bass lines, sweet rhythms, and complex guitar melodies. “Blue Moon Confessions” feels like the advent of a new era for the band. Always adventurous, the band blends many diverse musical genres together into a thirteen-song record that keeps exceeding expectations. The Halem Albright Band have revealed in their “confessions,” a sense of nostalgia, peculiarity, and confidence. Starting off the album is “Come Back,” a song about coming back down to Earth, which is ironic when so much of the album, rather than being described as grounded, comes across as the soundtrack to a dream. A particularly warm bass sound is set up as the anchoring force, until the guitars kick in with a flourish. The lyrics of “Come Back” appear to comfort and reassure: “What is the tune that I should sing to you to take your mind off of what you’re fearing / Come down to earth / You better come back to earth.” The perfect intro to an eclectic album, “Come Back” is all joy and reminiscence. Refreshing and idyllic, “Lost In The Breeze” is the first stand-out on the record after the opening. A kind of “beach vacation” feeling permeates the song, especially through the nostalgic synth. Bright and smooth, the melody disguises the band’s genuine yearning heard through their lyrics: “That’s all that I can give / But I’ll be here for you / Cause I need your lovin’ too.” Like its title, the song captures listeners as softly as a breeze and works its way into their hearts. The lyrics change the initial impression of the song, as “Lost In The Breeze” is revealed as a deceptively melancholic but rhythmic ballad. “Sum’a Baby,” comes in a few songs after “Lost In The Breeze” with a swagger characterized by the funky bass holding the song down. If heard through earphones, the song bounces from left to right, creating a kind of psychedelic soundscape. More classic synths, cymbals, and rapid guitars strums blend together into a dizzying combination, like riding the high swings at night in a colorful, fanciful carnival. The lyrics as well, reflect a sort of otherworldliness maybe only seen in the night: “Oh baby make me crazy / Ooh baby just say maybe / When I see you walking down the street for a second, I get caught up in my dreams / Only in the night can get me through to you.” Right after “Sum’a Baby,” “Sendoff 14” arrives in a flurry, with a swell, and a not-so-subtle feeling of despondency. “Sendoff 14” is just that, a gut-wrenching release of emotions: “I can’t come out anymore / I can’t slow down anymore / I can’t just pick up and run / I can’t deny anymore / The times I’d wait at your door.” While the synth has been used liberally in this album, nowhere is there such a rush of emotion like in this song. The singer tries to hold on to something, someone, or is even lamenting that they must be sent off. It is a plea, a sigh, resignation, but not without looking back. The song continues to soar through the guitar solo in the bridge and even unto its conclusion where a second voice comes to harmonize with the singer’s struggles. “Blue Moon Confessions” is both the journey and the destination. Ever-moving, ever-changing, ever-exciting, the songs from the album take on a life of their own. They ensnare listeners, sending them on a voyage, through intricate songs and varied musical references. The listener is captured by each song and exposed to the band’s brilliant sonic fusions. An overlooked epic, “Blue Moon Confessions” is a triumph of sound and emotion from The Halem Albright Band.” - Annamaria Lund

“The Halem Albright Band’s Blue Moon Confessions is one of the most under-appreciated albums that any music lover should listen to. The rock band from Georgia created a body of work inspired from different genres of music while staying true to its rock sound. Listening to Blue Moon Confessions is a one-of-a-kind listening experience that fills its audience with nostalgia. From captivating vocals, rich and deep bass, and varying drums, Blue Moon Confessions is the perfect album to get lost in and discover a newfound appreciation for music. “Come Back” introduces the album with catchy drums, a deep bass, and entrancing guitar strums. The song transitions to the captivating vocals of lead vocalist Halem Albright accentuated by the colorful sounds of the organ. The entire song provokes feelings of nostalgia and makes you feel like you’re almost floating. “Come Back” is the song you listen to in your room at night with headphones in your ear and mood lighting for ambiance. “Come Back” reminds you to “come back to earth” or stop running away from your fears and embrace what’s in front of you. “Lost In The Breeze” gives off indie vibes with relaxed grooves that build on the dreamy mood of the album. The synth sounds and background vocals mixed with the lyrics create the perfect ambience for a beach or festival setting. The song speaks of being there for someone when things get scary, and the easy-going melodies emphasize the lyrics. “Lost In The Breeze” is a song that provokes feelings of love and a desire to create memories with someone special. “Blue Eyed Ram” adds a bit of uniqueness to the album, starting with the unsettling intro of the song. The sound effects remind you of something otherworldly or extraterrestrial and the lead vocals are distorted. The song branches out into a gothic rock subgenre mixed with experimental music that gives off a dark aesthetic. “Blue Eyed Ram” is a sharp contrast from other songs on the album, but it makes it special and interesting to listen to. Despite the unsettling vibe, it is almost addictive to listen to and I couldn’t find myself wanting to press next until the song finished. “Werewolf on Strike” ends the album with unique lyrics and an upbeat tempo. Halem Albright sings, “I keep a mummy in my box right next to my desk/ In my office on the second floor/ Whenever anyone tries to come in/ He just stands there and blocks the door.” The song later describes how one day the mummy couldn’t hold off people anymore and they rushed inside. “Werewolf on Strike” speaks on the struggle of letting people in, but the joy in finding someone special. He later sings, “Cause I never thought that I would ever find someone quite like you” which shows the upside of letting people in. Blue Moon Confessions is an album that anyone with an appreciation for music should experience. The album featured different genres including experimental music that caught your ear and kept it until the very last song. The Halem Albright Band is full of not only musicians, but artists who genuinely take pride in their craft and show it through their music. Each song on the album was different from the last in the best of ways and a few even landed on my own Spotify playlist. Blue Moon Confessions is an album that plunges its listeners into an extraordinary, nostalgic experience and deserves all the recognition it can get.” - Kyla Hutchinson

“With their second studio album, Blue Moon Confessions, The Halem Albright Band goes into seemingly uncharted territory, putting together an oddly brilliant mix of different genres, instruments, and song layouts. Each song on the album has some sort of musical variation from the next, and The Halem Albright Band keeps you guessing on what kind of song they’re going to pull out of their hat. It has a sort of universal feel, and there’s a song for everyone on the album, regardless of music taste. Overall, Blue Moon Confessions is a wild up-and-down 13-track ride that should be a mainstay on a lot of indie playlists....(The album) delivers a unique13-track journey that feels fresh and unpredictable from start to finish. The band masterfully blends an eclectic mix of very different genres and song structures, and no two tracks are the same. This unpredictability will keep listeners intrigued, while the album’s universal appeal guarantees there’s something for everyone, regardless of their musical preferences. Ultimately, Blue Moon Confessions cements itself as a brilliant album for a band that deserves much more recognition.” - Jack Rotolo

“It’s easy to spot when an album isn’t authentic. You can hear when someone is trying to be different, make a buck, or attract a following. By the same coin, you can tell when something is genuine, when an artist is really about the project they’re making. Personally, this was quickly what I saw in The Halem Albright Band’s new album “Blue Moon Confessions.” Even before listening I loved the awkward, almost family-photo style album cover. Then starting off the bat, the opening track “Come Back” takes a familiar sounding feel and turns into something new. It has tinges of Southern Rock, Alternative rock, and psychedelia. It can be hard to make something new that doesn’t feel forced. In spite of this, The Halem Albright Band has done this. The album has really interesting mixes of electronic music, classic rock, calypso, and psychedelic rock. The second track “Lost In the Breeze” feels like Jimmy Buffet dropped acid, which I never expected would be a positive description but I really love this song. The album seems to get more explorative and experimental as it goes on, with the weirdness peaking at “Blue Eyed Ram.” The experimentalism cools off in the last two songs, but they maintain the fun weirdness present in the rest of the album. When listening to the album, I can’t tell if the band listens to Sub-Pop, Experimental Synth music, or Reggae in their free time. Each song surprises me but doesn’t go so far into the unknown that I get disinterested. It is really difficult to get truly unconventional with music and keep most listeners engaged, but The Halem Albright Band does this exceptionally well. I can tell off the bat that I’ll be showing this album to my musician friends, because it really is different from a lot of things I have heard. I really enjoyed listening to it, and it truly surprised me. I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the album’s release on streaming platforms, because the wait will be worth your while. For updates, you can follow them on Instagram (@halemalbright).” - Noah Rozzell

“On September 27th, The Halem Albright Band released Blue Moon Confessions, an album which combines funky 80s sounds with timeless themes and hard-hitting lyrics. Blue Moon Confessions is the third studio album from the band, with its vintage photographic cover and groovy guitar solos, it’s straight out of 1983 in the most original and innovative way possible. The album opens with the fantasy-esque guitar solo of “Come Back”, an upbeat track that’s reminiscent of classics like Bowie and The Police, but with an energy that’s all new. The album then evolves into a mixture of Western romantic songs like “Cheyenne”, a track about being on the run but unable to stay away from the one you love, and funky video game soundtrack-esque tunes like “Some Kind of Life”, which is so atmospheric and groovy. The repetition of “where did she go?” bouncing from ear to ear creates an immersive experience that carries throughout the entire album, allowing the listener to live inside of its time machine magic. The band shows the variation of their style within this selected 80s sound with tracks like “Lost in the Breeze”, a light and breezy track that’s the definition of head-swaying goodness. The Halem Albright Band perfectly captures the feeling of relaxing on a secluded beach with this sweet track. One of the most notable tracks on this album is “Neighbor Take Flight”, an experimental track with the groove of Mort Garson’s Plantasia, but with a retro video game-esque flair. The track consists of five and a half minute killer instrumental work that every 80s rock n roll head will enjoy. Albright truly displays his immense talent as a composer and guitarist in this track. “Sendoff 14” is a pining love song that belongs in an 80s romcom, so hopeful and groovy and sure to make the person of your dreams fall madly in love with you if you sing it to them with a boombox on your shoulder. The track also has a guitar solo made for slow dancing under the stars with the repetition of the line “You lift me up”. “Burgundy and Gold” holds a reverb that makes the sadness of this breakup track feel like it’s coming at you through a radio in your teenage bedroom. “Come next to me and I’ll play the song that you like to sing”. This song will take so many people back to their first loves and high school relationships. The loving simplicity of the lyrics gives this track so much charm.- “I’ll paint the colors you want to see- burgundy and gold, just don’t let me go”. This track also includes a somber saxophone solo, giving it its own unique sound apart from the rest of the tracks. A personal favorite of mine on this album is “Not Yet”. It’s an easy yet fast-moving groove to it that’s impossible not to dance to. With the repeated line “Were you in my dream?” and the synth-y, flowing guitar break to match, this track transports listeners into a romantic, retro dreamscape. “God” is an incredible stand-out on this album. The album’s only acoustic, folk-style track, it’s a deep introspective about looking back on life and feeling time slip through your fingers, wishing you could go back to every good moment and live it again for the first time. One of Albright’s best lines, and one of the lines in the song that best solidifies this idea is when Albright sings “all the big things I could ponder, one that can’t escape my mind is how a slowly dying flower knows when to catch the breeze and fly”. And he strikes listeners’ hearts again at the end of the song with the lines “them good old days don’t make you younger. Them good old days still let you die. I only wish to hold you longer”. The album closes with “Werewolf on Strike”, a track that describes the loss and betrayal of either a lover or a friend. Albright sings “I never thought that I would ever find someone quite like you” in a hopeful and loving tone, then follows it up with “I never thought that you would start a fire like that; I guess you would”, echoing a sentiment very close to home for so many people and breaking the hearts of listeners. Blue Moon Confessions completely took me by surprise. It’s funky and fun and emotional and calming all in one. Definitely one of the best new albums I’ve heard in a long time.” - Steph Stone

“"The band creates versatile indie music that is simultaneously calming and exciting all at once. On their newest album, Blue Moon Confessions, the five-piece dance across genre lines, blending jazz, funk, jangle pop, indie rock, and folk, delivering a sound that is diverse and captivating...Taking leaps from jazz, to electronica, to indie pop, Blue Moon Confessions is a project that manages to be engaging and exciting in its seemingly random experimentation."” - Lindsey Simpson

“This album is wide-ranging, with lyrical pop-rock moments as delivered in “Not Yet,” and arrangements that hearken back to John Cage’s prepared piano as showcased in “Country Ham & Eggs.” Though multiple inspirations are drawn upon, each song is thoughtfully sewn together by the common thread that is funk, while being skillfully executed on a high technical level by each member of the band. Live at the Vinyl is an incredibly entertaining amusement ride that ends leaving the audience excited to stand in line for another round.” - Zac Blackwell