In a world forever altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, artists worldwide retreated to their creative sanctuaries, grappling with the whirlwind of emotions and existential quandaries that the era of lockdowns and isolation brought forth. Brian Halloran’s “The Cocktail Hour” emerges as a poignant reflection of this introspective period. With the majority of its songs penned during the confines of 2020, the album encapsulates the turbulent maelstrom of emotions that this era elicited. Halloran’s songwriting prowess came to the fore during this time, with a prolific output that saw him churning out songs at an astonishing rate. One of these, the titular track “The Cocktail Hour,” proved to be a particularly elusive gem. To shape it into its final form, Halloran sought the expertise of guitarist and producer Emmett O’Malley (known for his work with artists like Enrique Iglesias and mrnorth). What O’Malley sent back, however, transcended mere collaboration and sparked the birth of something extraordinary. The subsequent request for another track and the eventual decision to entrust him with the entire album production underscored the undeniable synergy between the two artists.

Over the course of three years, “The Cocktail Hour” began to take shape. The album’s journey reflects the devotion and dedication that went into crafting each of its thirteen songs. While Brian Halloran’s songwriting was fueled by a profound nostalgia for the musical legends that colored his formative years – the likes of U2, R.E.M., and The Cure, – his mission was to pay homage to these influences while injecting a contemporary essence into his work. The resulting album beautifully encapsulates the existential dread, longing, obsession, loss, and depression that marred the pandemic experience. Each track becomes a vessel carrying the listener through a whirlwind of emotions, reminding us of the shared, yet deeply personal, struggles that defined an era.

“The Cocktail Hour” is an exquisite fusion of raw vulnerability and artistry, navigating through a labyrinth of sentiments that mirror our own experiences. This album also features a fantastic collaboration with guest musicians. Michelle Rescigno and Amanda Lo McGregor, who participate in the track “The Sacred Geometry,” add an additional dimension and depth to the piece. The majestic indie rock sound of “The Cocktail Hour” invites us to embark on a journey through the album today. The album opens with the track “Sine Qua Non (Anywhere, Any Day),” which initially seems innocent with its melodious guitar and mood. However, as it progresses, the song becomes increasingly intense and dramatic. It’s like a journey into a merciless desert where the guitar and vocals beckon us to delve deeper, penetrating the essence of human emotions. The song conjures images of notes filled with drama and sadness, especially in moments of minimalism when the instrumental arrangement lays bare its soul.

It’s like magic, transporting us to a world of music that speaks deep into the heart, as in the track “I Am Looking For You Always.” The synthesizer, sharp and melancholic melody, weaves with Halloran’s vocals, creating a romanticized aura. Brian Halloran is a master at handling sound and lyrics, with each word steeped in a profound exploration of the human soul. The cold synthesizer creates an atmosphere of depression and melancholy, carrying us into a world of music that beats in our hearts like the voice of eternal inspiration and art. The tracks “On A Wednesday” and “Earthling” stand out for their profound lyricism and their ability to transport us to different emotional dimensions. In “On A Wednesday,” we witness the artist boldly shifting the album’s course. In this song, he delves into the unfathomable depths of dark depression. The sound is reminiscent of the moment when the light in the room fades, and the last ray of sunshine pierces through the window, foretelling the arrival of a restless night. The captivating rhythm of the drums becomes particularly compelling, as if the drums are slowly counting the passage of time, reminding us that light will come again.

“Earthling,” on the other hand, brings relief and tenderness. Here, it’s as if Brian Halloran leaves us a small glimmer of hope amid the chords and melodies. However, this review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning “The Sacred Geometry” – a bright, bold track that fully immerses us in its embrace and disconnects us from the outside world. Michelle Rescigno’s ethereal vocals, intertwining with Brian Halloran’s voice, and the melodious gliding sound of Amanda Lo McGregor’s violin create a magical and tender atmosphere. Here is also a quite powerful stadium ballad “I Was Hungry” and a bit of vintage, country-infused song “Tall Girls With Short Hair.”

To the sounds of the final track, “5959,” the album “The Cocktail Hour” concludes in the finest traditions of pop rock, but with a modern twist and an appealing structure. The gentle oscillations of the sound, the solid vocal line – all of this creates an atmosphere of modernity and style. This powerful final chord leaves a sense of freedom from long days of sadness and depression, as if ahead lies nothing but joy and inspiration. It’s the perfect conclusion to the album, inviting everyone to dance and sing along. Absolutely, Brian’s influence from bands like U2 and R.E.M. is evident in his music, and he doesn’t shy away from it. It’s worth noting that U2, in particular, is known for treating each album as an exploration and experiment with various genres, making their mark as true musical pioneers.

“The Cocktail Hour” indeed serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with the human experience. With introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, the album not only pays homage to musical greats but also carves a path toward contemporary relevance. In a world marked by transformation and isolation, it stands as a poignant soundtrack, a reminder that we are never truly alone on our collective journey of self-discovery and renewal. Each track carries the musician’s inner fears and pains, but at the same time, they are transformed into art and inspiration. The album “The Cocktail Hour” is like a lighthouse in the ocean of life, which, despite the waves and storms, remains a reliable beacon.

“THE COCKTAIL HOUR” by BRIAN HALLORAN

is out on OCTOBER 17th

Connect with Brian Halloran via Instagram, Facebook

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub