Vassals - Halogen Days EP
Halogen Days is an EP by New York's Vassals, and its four tracks of slow and considered musical, which will encourage you to reflect on your life, just through virtue of its thoughtful composition and relaxed pace.
Opener 'Sea Spell' trundles along at a walking pace as distant vocals and pulsating guitars dance with shimmering percussion, distorted guitars at the end cut through the sense of wonder and nostalgia, paving the way for 'Moonless'. The second track quickly shifts from a muted number to an assured and raucous anthem, with those distorted guitar licks once again adding a welcome sense of flair to the dying moments.
With minimal and generally quiet lyrics, 'SoHo' feels primarily like an instrumental number full of sass. Stabbing and soaring guitars create celebratory landscapes, with the dynamic prowess of famed post-rock outfits, something that 'Ghostwood' mirrors. Closing this short taste in progression style, the track escalates through a handful of atmospheres before proceeds end abruptly.
With only four tracks Halogen Days doesn't have much scope to introduce Vassals, but it does provide a welcome taste of the band's intentions and potential. If you like intriguing and dynamic music with a focus on pace and introspection, then perhaps this band could be the flavour for you.
