Genre be damned is an all too common sentiment these days, and The Halem Albright Band is one such act that fits this mold and can't be pigeonholed.
The band creates versatile indie music that is simultaneously calming and exciting all at once. On their newest album, Blue Moon Confessions, the five-piece dance across genre lines, blending jazz, funk, jangle pop, indie rock, and folk, delivering a sound that is diverse and captivating. Blue Moon Confessions was released on September 27, 2024.
As their first album in five years, Blue Moon Confessions feels authentically experimental and freewheelin'. This can be seen at first glance, as the album's cover photo is a dated awkward photo (prom? semi-formal? neither?) with the title scrawled in the top left corner, giving it a raw approachable feel.
Notable tracks include "Neighbor Take Flight," which is a jittery and fast-paced jam, combining improvisational jazz with soaring guitar riffs and psychedelic influence. The entirely instrumental track stands out on the album as it offers brisk dynamics, and is a number that will keep you on your toes.
Another one that stands out is the eighth track, "Sendoff 14." With soaring synths not unlike a Tame Impala tune, the song delivers a bright jangle-rock energy with a leisurely groove. Ending with an uplifting pitch change, "Sendoff 14" presents an eclectic blend of psych-pop and endearing easy listening elements.
The band draws influence from groups such as The Grateful Dead, The National, and Phish among others, which is apparent when listening to their new album. Taking leaps from jazz, to electronica, to indie pop, Blue Moon Confessions is a project that manages to be engaging and exciting in its seemingly random experimentation.
Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, frontman Halem Albright was surrounded by music from a young age. Albright began writing songs and playing guitar at the age of 14. He became involved in several local bands, and cut his teeth touring with his group, The Green Light Council, throughout the Southeast.
Just eclipsing a decade ago in 2013, The Halem Albright Band officially took flight. Their debut album, Through Human Eyes, was released in 2017, followed by Live at Vinyl in 2019. The group found themselves awarded the People's Choice Award at Athens, Georgia's AthFest in 2015 as well, earning them local praise.
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