Photography by Will Hutchinson

James Mellen
James Mellen

Bristol-based writer, specialising in musings on the world of music and fashion.

Portsmouth quartet return with stellar new single, and new EP announcement

Portsmouth experimenters Hallan have unleashed the first taste of their forthcoming sophomore EP, ‘The Noise Of A Firing Gun’ set to arrive on March 31st via acclaimed tastemakers Nice Swan Records. This first look is ‘Unwomanly Face of War’, a bizarre but brilliant concoction of punk, electronica and alt rock.

The single boasts a club-ready synth bass, battling an infectious guitar hook and tasteful drums. It is an extension of postmodernism, reshaping the synths of Devo and mashing it with the riff heavy nature of artists like Muse and The Strokes. Though influences may be clear, Hallan thrive on a truly unique approach, their concoction of noises easily cutting through the saturate. Like seen in dance music, there isn’t much variation throughout the track, besides frontman Conor Clements’ increasingly frantic delivery, but ‘Unwomanly Face Of War’ climaxes with a crushing crescendo, an outro bathed in fuzz and beserk performances; layers upon layers of glitchy synths, darting between the intricately woven guitar parts. 

Hallan remain themselves while also making steps in the right direction. This new single sees the group refining and polishing, tackling their experimental punk DNA from new angles. It sets a solid foundation for what is to come on the rest of the EP, and their unique and enigmatic approach is one that will certainly not go unnoticed this year. 

Listen/watch ‘Unwomanly Face of War’ here:


Live Dates
1st Apr – Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
2nd Apr – Bobiks, Newcastle
4th Apr – Broadcast, Glasgow
5th Apr – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
6th Apr – Future Yard, Birkenhead
7th Apr – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
8th Apr – Heartbreakers, Southampton
11th Apr – The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge
12th Apr – Clwb lfor Bach, Cardiff
13th Apr – The Cavern, Exeter
14th Apr – The Victoria, London
15th Apr – Esquires, Bedford


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