Halifax has seemed to already make a mark on the indie scene with No Milk Records helo, but now they have signed with indie powerhouse Drive-Thru Records. This is a huge step forward for the group, and the first thing Drive-Thru did was re-release their ep “A Writer’s Reference”. The sound quality is better, it was re-mixed, re-mastered and actually is now on store shelves. This band has a great future ahead of them and this statement is proven with their Drive-Thru debut.

Halifax has seemed to already make a mark on the indie scene with No Milk Records helo, but now they have signed with indie powerhouse Drive-Thru Records. This is a huge step forward for the group, and the first thing Drive-Thru did was re-release their ep “A Writer’s Reference”. The sound quality is better, it was re-mixed, re-mastered and actually is now on store shelves. This band has a great future ahead of them and this statement is proven with their Drive-Thru debut.

The album begins with “Sydney.” The song is very personal and is actually about Mike Hunau’s grandfather. This song is the first song that will be released into the mainstream. The video is actually on the enhanced part of the album. This song is very good and shows a great amount of energy and terrific guitar work from Chris Brandt and Adam Trabish. The second track is the title track, “A Writer’s Reference.” The song begins with Tommy Guindon pounding on his kit and the rest of the band following soon after. The song has a strong chorus and is a pretty good listen. This song wouldn’t be favorite but it isn’t too bad. The song is filled with aggressive pop-punk and some breakdowns that keep the song interesting. The third track is “I Hate Your Eyes” and it is one of the top tracks on the album. The song shows a lot of emotion and is overall one of the hardest rocking songs of the album. This song shows a few influences of emo-core, but in the most-part is just a fast rock song.

“Broken Glass Syndrome” is a fast, aggressive song that shows why Drive-Thru Records signed this group and is so excited for future releases. This song is a strong track but doesn’t change much from any of the previous tracks. Most of their songs sound a lot alike which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for Halifax. “The Next Two Weeks” includes a lot of progression in tempo. The song is one of the top tracks on the album, if not the top track. The chorus keeps the song interesting with the change of pace in the verses. “Scarlet Letter Part II” is the sixth track on the album and for those who do now own the re-issue, it is the last track. The song is a very slow-tempo track but is a really good listen. Hanau has a great rock voice and this song proves that statement. This song’s lyrics are very strong and are a highlight of the track. This song is one of the top tracks on the album and really shows that the group can make a great slow song along with their usual aggressive pop-punk style. The last track on the re-issue is “Sydney (Acoustic).” If you like this song in the full band version, you will love this version. This was an addition and incentive for people to buy this record. It is a great track and really emphasizes the personal lyrics. A great song and they really did a great job with the acoustic version.

This band displays more energy and chemistry than most bands wish they had and it was self-produced. Sometimes it takes a producer to help create as much chemistry as this band displays on this album. A great ep, even the second time around. The guys could be the next The Starting Line, or Finch from Drive-Thru Records, but this time Geffen will not be stealing the group. Good choice on Drive-Thru’s part to sign this group and get out of that deal with Geffen because this is one band that will make the departure pay off.

This band is for fans of Hidden In Plain View, Cartel, Over It and Someday Never. Check these guys out if you haven’t listened to them yet, I have been a fan of these guys for a year or two and they have really evolved into a solid act. Listen to Absolutepunk.net when they say these guys are worth every listen because they really are. They aren’t very original but show a lot of charisma and hard-work, their full length should be released this summer so look out for these guys and be impressed. At least a little bit impressed.

Rating- B (8.2)

Significant Tracks- “Sydney (Acoustic)”, “Broken Glass Syndrome”, “The Next Two Weeks”, “Scarlet Letter Part II”

Keith Joseph

www.halifaxrock.com
www.drivethrurecords.com