Let me preface this review by saying how silly I thought the whole fiasco regarding this man leaving Paramore was. I however do think it may have been an absolutely great thing that it happened.

Halfnoise is Zac Farro, and what this debut EP gives is a thoroughly interesting slice of electronic indie crossover, at first, it reminded me a bit of Ben Gibbard’s The Postal Service, and at times even a little of The Album Leaf, but now I feel that was a lazy comparison and doesn’t give Farro the credit he deserves.

The five tracks on offer here are perfect for the weather at this time of year, just as it starts getting chilly and it gets darker earlier and earlier, it evokes a very autumnal feeling throughout.

The record starts out with ‘Remember When’, a great introduction to the overall sound of Halfnoise, it has excellent drumming, and creates a brilliant soundscape, the vocals compliment this; “It takes a lot to let it go, I’ve got to let it go,” the lyrics are simple but the emotion they are sung with make you believe Farro means them.

My personal favourite is up next, ‘Sunsee’ a horn laden four minute track that builds and swells, creating an ethereal dreamlike sound, perfect for just watching the world go by, it shows off the extend of Farro’s multi instrumentation and I think I must have listened to it about 5 times before letting the next track play. 

The record follows on in a similar fashion, creating intricate, beautiful walls of sound. ‘Reproof’ closes out this debut, and does so in a memorable way that leave you wanting more, with its catchy melody that repeats throughout, Farro’s vocals really shine in this track, and when it finished, I was left wanting another track to begin. A full length would be welcomed with open arms, I really want to see what he comes up with next.

 5/5

‘Halfnoise EP’ by Halfnoise is out now on Xtra Mile.

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Words by Ryan Clayton.