Halcyon – Mid Season Finale
Release Date: 15th September 2023
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Whilst tonnes of bad news has come out of the last few years, the ability for artists to turn the period into their preferred method of communication is commendable and deserving of huge amounts of respect. One of those artists is London based three piece Halcyon and their latest trio of tracks that forms the EP Mid Season Finale. With the band having separated temporarily in the aftermath of the events of 2020, they’ve come back together this year to tell their stories from their time apart.
While just the three tracks, and a running time of just shy of twelve minutes, there’s plenty packed in. Opening track ‘Don’t Go Hollow’ does begin nicely, combining softer than usual alt-rock with some more progressive elements, before some meaty guitars hurtle the song towards its conclusion. ‘Don’t Go Hollow’ is a journey in itself, from the haunting backing of the opening bars, it builds and builds, changing constantly as the tone becomes more serious and the guitars become overbearing.
Dropping in second, ‘Burn My Spirit’ begins similarly to its predecessor, alt-rock seeps out of each passing second until ninety seconds in the track comes alive. From here it is heavier than ‘Don’t Go Hollow’, both in terms of guitars and drums. The former of these having an almost country twang to the riff that will worm its way right into your ears. The longest of the three songs spends its full five minutes growing. Starting with what must now be a signature low energy and cranking up the emotion as the power grows. There is a clear way of doing things for Halcyon and why change it in the dying embers. Emotionally huge, musicianship of a high order, vocals that are both harrowing and addictive.
Mid Season Finale is a strong collection of three tracks that does suffer a little from how short it is. Whilst each track is its own being, there are similarities in structure and pacing. Whilst that is a tiny niggle, the EP is structured in a way that each change in energy level feels fresh. Everything else is overwhelmingly positive and for those that were already fans of Halcyon this is a welcome return. For everyone else joining us now, welcome. Enjoy!