CD Review -
HaleStorM “Breaking the Silence”
HaleStorM
“Breaking the Silence”
www.halestormweb.com
Elizabeth Hale - Music, Lyrics, Vocals, Keys/Synthesizer, Guitar
Roger Hale - Bass
Arejay Hale - Drums/Percussion
Jim Shull - additional guitar on “Shadows of My Heart” and “Shout it Out”
Scott Frange - cello on “Rose in December”
Shadows of My Heart -
Shannon Says: This ballad of love and distress opens with the simplistic, yet solid
keyboard playing of Elizabeth Hale. Whispering "I feel you, washing over me,"
Liz divulges a grievous story of love and loss. Breaking into a strong composition
of keyboards, edgy guitar, and a zealous pulse of drums, the Hales unveil
their ability to win the listener over in just one song.
Melanie Says: This quiet opening to “Shadows” takes hold of your
attention and captures it. Slowly, Liz unleashes the volume and power
behind her voice to hear her emotions gushing forth. If you are seeing the
Hales live, be sure not to applaud prematurely, there is a pause which you
may think is the end. Being the first of many ballads, this CD is longer than
an average seven song CD.
Unbreakable Promises -
Shannon Says: Promising never to go back down that dark road of heartbreak,
Liz unleashes a side of innocence and unknowingness that can easily
be related to. With synthetics fading into the final tender verse, the song
takes a stirring tempo and closes with a soft touch of drums.
Melanie Says: Liz could have created an angry, growling song from the topic
of “unbreakable promises, shattered.” She took the route of the
keys and her killer vocal abilities instead of shouting and screaming into the mic.
The Children (Full Version) -
Shannon Says: With an outpouring flow of guitar, fused with the slow thundering of
drums and bass, Liz successfully outlets her anger with deeper vocals and
veracious lyrics in "The Children." Pouring out powerful guitar solos, Liz
speaks the mind of her fellow youth by asking why the naivete of other
generations can't accept the children for who they are…"just another brick
in the wall." The album concludes with the abbreviated, yet just as effectual radio version.
Melanie Says: If you can’t hack the 7:27 long track of “The Children,” skip down
to the seventh and last track, which is a cut, radio version. “The Children” is a
harder, more guitar driven song. It gives out a message from Liz’s generation
to the older generations. She says, “We will not live by the lines you have drawn
out for us, we will draw our own because…we are the children.”
Rose in December -
Shannon Says: With lush keyboarding, Liz opens the song with an organic
sense of beauty. Showing off her skill of ranging all octaves, the strong
imagery produced by chorus lines such as "I'll be standing here, until spring
comes and the snow melts away," dissolves into the graceful blend of keyboards and cello.
Melanie Says: Taking up the keys again, Liz soulfully sings of a more
devoted love than in “Unbreakable Promises.” This is the shortest song
recorded on “Breaking the Silence.” It has been heard on The River’s
Open Mic Night, The X’s Under the Radar, and on Wink’s
The Bruce Bond Late Afternoon Show.
Shout it Out -
Shannon Says: With an eclectic frenzy of synthetic-sounding instruments,
the introduction generates an energetic vibe before the vocals launch off.
Revealing a story of no regret, Liz gives an articulate explanation of the
band's identity, proudly announcing, "this is who we are."
Melanie Says: For “Shout it Out” Liz sings with an attitude and is surrounded
with the music to enhance it. It has a theme similar to “The Children”
saying to be who you are and not to change for anyone.
I Forgive You -
Shannon Says: Taming down the pace with, "I Forgive You," a correlating
story of hurt evolves and the liberating decision to forgive a past love and
mature is settled upon.
Melanie Says: “I love you, I hate you, but I know you too well,” is softy sung.
This song could be heard by almost anyone and they would identify with it in some way.