Sawtooth - EP

One of the many reasons I love to listen to Halou is that each time something new comes out, I can expect NOT to hear the same exact same thing I just heard on the previous album. I have yet to be disappointed by any of their music, and Sawtooth is no exception. Sawtooth's music is a bit harsher sounding than previous releases, giving it more texture and tension, yet Rebecca's vocals balance the sound perfectly. The album continues to explore and showcase the band's evolution and exploration and is a must have.

Beautiful flow from start to finish. Definitely different from previous albums, but this is Halou...everything they create is gold. I reccomend the whole EP but Evensong, and Hollywood Ending are musts. Sawtooth's Hollywood Ending is just as amazing as the original. Can't wait for the LP!

If you bought this EP thinking you were going to hear the same old halou you were used to, be prepared...this isn't just another ethereal soundscape awash in lush vocals. The band is going out on a limb a little with their core fan base, but that's not always a bad thing. Sawtooth gets right to business on the first track, grabs you and doesn't let you go. The title of the EP is fitting as well in that the crunchiness of their guitars and the combination of Rebecca's smooth vocals is at the same time rough like the sound of a saw cutting through wood but at the same time soothing. The lyrics tell more of a story for me on this EP more than any of their previous albums and I appreciate the less obscure song titles. I feel the band has grown and matured musically and it shows. As with most EPs at the end I was left wanting more which to me is the perfect finish.

Aside from the beautiful "It Will All Make Sense In the Morning," this EP doesn't catch me the way their last album (Wholeness and Separation) did. That disc gets an amazing amount of play in my stereo. Sawtooth is crunchier and a bit more uptempo. I'm glad to see them experimenting, but -- at least to my ear -- it doesn't really play to the band's strengths.

Eh... This is tough for me. I consider myself a huge, huge Halou fan. In fact, their last album, "Wholeness & Separation," is one of my favorite albums ever made. It's pure perfection. This new EP is missing what I can only describe as "that Halou atmosphere." There was always an ethereal quality to their music that really made them stand out. A lot of it had to do with the hooks and electronic flourishes. Sadly, this one has a lack of both. Nothing really sets this apart from a variety of other shoegazer rock bands (like Denali, for example), aside from Rebecca's wonderful vocals. The song "Clipped" sounds like a rather generic punk song, which I guess just isn't my thing at all. The exception to all this (and the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 3) is the song "It Will All Make Sense In the Morning." I love love LOVE this song. Definitely up there with their best. And the rest of the EP isn't bad - it just doesn't wow me at all like their other stuff. In particular, I like "Breath Makes Smoke" and the new (and improved) version of "Hollywood Ending," but they're nowhere near the level of "It Will All Make Sense In the Morning." I sincerely hope this EP isn't completely indicative of what the new full-length will sound like. I'm hoping this will grow on me, though, with repeat listens. Perhaps it will all make sense in the morning? R O C K E T

Halou is the perfect blend of technology and heartfelt songwriting. The “Sawtooth – EP” continues their tradition of innovative sound design and musical performance. They are truly a great band. Check them out