Search - Los Halos :: Leaving VA

Two men who can do no wrong

J. Rossi | Downers Grove, IL | 12/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""For Ramona," Los Halos' last album, was their second long playing effort but it avoided the sophomore slump. In fact, "For Ramona" never knew the meaning of the phrase.The expectations (or at least the ones I set) were high for "leaving va" but the band have taken those expectations, crushed them under a bulldozer and sent the dust to the moon. Simply, this is another breathtaking album that firmly cements Los Halos as one of the best bands currently going.The first four songs - 'lioness,' 'blue star,' 'lo siento,' and 'reasons to smile' - are down, up, down, up in terms of tempo, and not one shows any flaws. 'lioness' and 'lo siento' are sprawling, contemplative symphonies for your ailments; 'blue star' and 'reasons to smile' take some cues from the shoegazing scene but put some muscle behind them.The second half of 'leaving va' suffers no faults. 'frenesi' starts off acoustic before swelling to and organic summit with bass, heart-beating drums, accordian, piano, and layered vocals. 'lovelife' - with its shimmering guitars, martial drumming, bouncing bass and humming organ - confirms that Los Halos will be played on Heaven's radio. 'the back home' comes in next with country-tinged rock before the title track closes slowly, yet brilliantly, with casio beats, reverbed pinging guitar *and* strummed acoustic guitar, tribal drumming and piano. All these instruments cocoon soulful lyrics about what once was but could never be now; a true love letter to the past.From start to finish their is not one song that doesn't blatantly and beautifully display musical genius in motion. When a band can pull of a master stroke like this, and have it be the third time in a row they've done so, there is no question that the talents behind it are immense. If you don't believe me, why not give "leaving va" a spin and see if YOU can describe it any other way."

Each New Record Shows a New Side

Akiva | Port Frenzy, Togo | 03/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you listen to each of their three released records (self-titled, 'For Ramona', and now 'Leaving VA'), you'd almost wonder if you were listening to the same band if it weren't for the passion of Samezvous' delivery and the consistently astonishing songwriting.



'Leaving VA' presents Los Halos at their most diverse and playful, with tracks like 'Reason to Smile' which practically infects you with happiness to the introspective 'The Back Home' which can recall nearly anyone's true 'home'.



I've been following this band since 2000 and they are incredibly down-to-earth people which I think is accurately reflected in the shameless honesty found in each song they release.



There is more Los Halos music to be had, too. Please check out loshalos.com to find out how you can land yourself several more unreleased albums."