Post by Father_Doom on Apr 9, 2002 8:29:24 GMT -5
Band: Halfway to Gone
Album: Second Season
Format: CD
Label: Small Stone Records
Year: 2002
Time: 44 minutes
Track list:
Great American Scumbag
Already Gone
Black Coffy
Escape from Earth
Thee Song (A Slight Return)
Whiskey Train
Brocktoon’s Wake
Outta Smokes
Lone Star Breakout
Never Comin’ Home
Tryptophan
Cover photo: www.halfwaytogone.com/
In the past year or two the southern element of stoner rock has made one of the strongest showings in music, even as the “Kyuss Klones” have declined. Bands like the mighty Alabama Thunder Pussy, Dixie Witch, Halfway to Gone, and Small Stone labelmates Gideon Smith and the Dixie Damned have all made top-notch records, tossing in one helping of Sabbath to one of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Z Z. Top, or the Allman Brothers. And the good thing is, you don’t have to be from south of the old Mason-Dixon line to do it!
Halfway’s bassist Lou Gorra and guitar player Lee Stuart were both in Solarized, a group of fellow New Jersey rockers whose album ‘Neanderthal Speedway’ is essential to every dope smoker’s library. A couple of year’s ago Halfway put out an all-instrumental demo, which promised a more southern flava than Solarized offered. This was followed in 2001 by their first full-length, ‘High Five,’ which combined instrumentals with Lou’s first vocal forays. There was also a kick-ass split with the above-referenced ATP, featuring one of Halfway’s most evil tunes, ‘Darktown Strutter.’
Hell, these guys still seem like a new band to me, but constant touring has developed the group into a white-hot, whiskey-soaked weapon. ‘Second Season’ opens with what’s sure to be a future show staple, ‘Great American Scumbag.’ That sick southern sound stands out right away, and its only the beginning. Lee throws out an intense sonic attack in solo after solo; a particular highlight is the boogien’ ‘Brocktoon’s Wake.’<br>Lou provides the thunder, playing his bass like it was a toy, while newcomer Kenny Wagner gives those skins the spanking they so richly deserve. This is nothing short of a true power trio, southern style, so if you like 60 Watt Shaman, ATP, or if you like a little Sabbath with your Skynyrd, then you’d best check out Halfway to Gone. And see ‘em live; the CD is less than half the experience!
Oh yeah, about that bonus track: suffice it to say that it breathes fresh life into a “classic radio” stalwart that was tired and overplayed decades ago.
Kevin McHugh
Album: Second Season
Format: CD
Label: Small Stone Records
Year: 2002
Time: 44 minutes
Track list:
Great American Scumbag
Already Gone
Black Coffy
Escape from Earth
Thee Song (A Slight Return)
Whiskey Train
Brocktoon’s Wake
Outta Smokes
Lone Star Breakout
Never Comin’ Home
Tryptophan
Cover photo: www.halfwaytogone.com/
In the past year or two the southern element of stoner rock has made one of the strongest showings in music, even as the “Kyuss Klones” have declined. Bands like the mighty Alabama Thunder Pussy, Dixie Witch, Halfway to Gone, and Small Stone labelmates Gideon Smith and the Dixie Damned have all made top-notch records, tossing in one helping of Sabbath to one of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Z Z. Top, or the Allman Brothers. And the good thing is, you don’t have to be from south of the old Mason-Dixon line to do it!
Halfway’s bassist Lou Gorra and guitar player Lee Stuart were both in Solarized, a group of fellow New Jersey rockers whose album ‘Neanderthal Speedway’ is essential to every dope smoker’s library. A couple of year’s ago Halfway put out an all-instrumental demo, which promised a more southern flava than Solarized offered. This was followed in 2001 by their first full-length, ‘High Five,’ which combined instrumentals with Lou’s first vocal forays. There was also a kick-ass split with the above-referenced ATP, featuring one of Halfway’s most evil tunes, ‘Darktown Strutter.’
Hell, these guys still seem like a new band to me, but constant touring has developed the group into a white-hot, whiskey-soaked weapon. ‘Second Season’ opens with what’s sure to be a future show staple, ‘Great American Scumbag.’ That sick southern sound stands out right away, and its only the beginning. Lee throws out an intense sonic attack in solo after solo; a particular highlight is the boogien’ ‘Brocktoon’s Wake.’<br>Lou provides the thunder, playing his bass like it was a toy, while newcomer Kenny Wagner gives those skins the spanking they so richly deserve. This is nothing short of a true power trio, southern style, so if you like 60 Watt Shaman, ATP, or if you like a little Sabbath with your Skynyrd, then you’d best check out Halfway to Gone. And see ‘em live; the CD is less than half the experience!
Oh yeah, about that bonus track: suffice it to say that it breathes fresh life into a “classic radio” stalwart that was tired and overplayed decades ago.
Kevin McHugh
