By Kate Drexel –
Fans of true rock ‘n’ roll should be more than familiar with the Philadelphia-based band, Halestorm. Following their 2009 release of their debut self- titled album, “Halestorm”, tracks such as ‘It’s Not You’, ‘I Get Off ’, ‘Familiar Taste of Poison’, and ‘Love/Hate Heartbreak’ are what come to mind. Fairly recently, the band released a 4-track EP entitled, “Hello, It’s Mz. Hyde” on Jan. 24, 2012, and it’s fresh fast-paced songs demand to be heard.
The band formed in 1997, beginning with the two Hale siblings, Lzzy (lead vocalist) and Arejay (drums/backing vocals). Eventually in 2003-2004, two members joined the ensemble, Joe Hottinger (leading guitarist), and Josh Smith (bass guitar). Lzzy Hale’s vocals can be heard in Shinedown’s song “Breaking Inside”.
The band released a 6-track cover EP in 2011 called, “ReAniMate: The CoVeRs eP”, covering bands such as Skid Row, Lady GaGa, Temple of the Dog, Guns N’ Roses, and The Beatles. Some of the tracks include ‘Slave to the Grind’, ‘Bad Romance’, and ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’. The four teamed up with their Pennsylvanian producer, Howard Benson, who produced their previous albums, in May 2011 after they finished their recent tour. In total of three sessions with Benson, Halestorm recorded their second album, “The Strange Case Of…” choosing 4 tracks to be on the EP. Benson has produced bands such as 3 Doors Down, Seether, and Three Days Grace.
Other tracks include ‘Love Bites (So Do I),’ ‘Rock Show,’ ‘Daughters of Darkness,’ and ‘Here’s to Us.’ Of course, every rock song has a little bit of a story behind it.
While recording ‘Love Bites (So Do I),’ Lzzy Hale recalls a time when a young girl told her over Twitter that “Love Bites”, and Hale responded “Well, so do you, darling. You can still bite back.” Whereas with ‘Daughters of Darkness,’ it tells us that women, like men, have their dark side, or as Hale puts it, “a switch.” ‘Here’s to Us’ is one of the band’s most meaningful songs on the EP, according to Hale. It was performed by Lea Michele’s character in a recent episode of Fox’s musical television series, Glee. The cover is available on iTunes.
A full-length album is set to release on April 27, 2012. This album will be entitled “The Strange Case Of…” “Hello, It’s Mz. Hyde – EP” is currently available for digital download on iTunes.
Overall Rating: 10/10
No tracks to skip.
