Review: The Ha-Rang!#
The Ha-Rang!# have been described as anything from metal to organ garage, and have defied everyone with their new EP. She Wants Pretty showcases how this band is not looking to be categorized. Almost anybody would have a tough job trying! In an ineffectual world, this band shows its uniqueness, literally.
The EP opener introduces us to an unconventional theme of ‘Cocaine Deloreans’. Marty Mcely’s boyish wonder teleports the listener to a time of nostalgia, yet the overall timbre creates a futuristic vibe. Thrilling organs and meticulous drums accompanied by Shane’s charismatic vocals make Delorean Girls a thrilling opener.
Then comes the marvelous title track, She Wants Pretty. First off, we’re fooled by a melodic, solid riff, then suddenly the Ha-Rang!# catapults us into a reverie of electro-organs and what one could ostensibly identify as ‘horror pop’. Shane O’Gallagher, leader of The Ha-Rang!#, uses crazily chaotic vocals joined with a hypnotizing riff to transport us in a journey through time and space, never to return.
But we do return, eventually. The Ha-Rang!# abruptly leaves us with a candid ‘Woo-Hoo!’. It’s agreed the song does deserve to be celebrated. Hookers in the Wind is next and has the potential to be the best drinking song I’ve heard in a while! Harmonious melodies tie in with whimsical guitars to generate a fantastic hook, raising the stakes for the rest of the EP. Shane reminds us that ‘Life is Short’ and we bask with him in this knowledge as we enjoy the remainder right up until the very last echoing cymbal. A cascade of riffs amount to a long intro into the next song, aptly named Pigeon Kick! Shane adopts vocal eeriness, droning melodies and urgent drums creating a sinister timbre. Suddenly, hit by a crescendo of meaty licks and strident pace, we are thrown into a surging tempo. This change surprises the listener, reminding us that the Ha-Rang!# are far from predictable.
EP closer Murder Most Depraved reinforces the band’s gambit of horror pop. Durge drums and tidal wave coals make this tune slightly more alarming. Yet again, frontman #wulfbaby (Shane) reminds us of the value of humor with this opening line, “I’m gonna let you in on a little secret / Not every day is a good day for a picnic.”
All of these tracks set a great tone for the future of the band. Watch out for the Ha-Rang!#, it would definitely be hard to ignore them.
