KBPS Interview: The Hallows

The Hallows are a London-based band made up of Sarah Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez and Dave Pugh and they've just released their second single, the infectious 'Cardboard Love'. We spoke to Sarah and Joe ahead of the single's release on the 2nd December.

How would you describe your new single?

Sarah: It’s a bit of a moody, sultry song. It’s about being in a really horrible relationship and coming out the other side, brushing yourself off and looking forward. By the end of the song it hopefully comes off as more upbeat with a positive vibe than at the beginning.

Is it a personal song?

Sarah: I think it reflects back on situation that we can all draw on, experiences that maybe haven’t been the best. It’s an important way of getting those feelings out and putting them in a song and being able to channel that.

Joe: I’d like to state it has no relevance to Dave and I, honestly! We’re really decent guys!

As musicians you have backgrounds in different styles, so how does that work when making music as the Hallows?

Joe: It’s an interesting one really as we’ve got several bands that we relate to and really love, which are kind of touch points for us, we’ve all come from quite different backgrounds musically. For me I was always into grunge and alternative rock band in the day and Sarah’s probably come from a more melodic background.

Sarah: Yeah, but also quite rocky as well. My folks brought me up on AC/DC and Pink Floyd.

Joe: You can’t go wrong with the DC!

Sarah: I’ve always got time for them! For me and Dave we’ve been brought up with quite a bit of classical influence too, so I think that comes across in our music, as classically-infused pop.

Joe: All in all it’s tended to work well. We don’t tend to disagree on many things so there must be something right in the mix!

As well as the music, you have the video out for ‘Cardboard Love’ which I believe you had an active role in creating?

Joe: Yeah, that was the bit of a product of a fevered dream! I woke up one morning in the really early hours, and we were struggling at the time to come up with a concept that would fit the vibe of the song, and basically I was getting vibes of a dark and moody secret society. That particular video spanned from there, and we got a demonic puppet involved and the rest is history as they say!

Are any of you successful card players then, looking at the video?

Sarah: I like to play cards but I wouldn’t say I’m successful by any measure, so I wouldn’t do well around the table with the demonic puppet!

Joe: I think Dave’s probably the most clued up cards player. Unless it’s snap I have no chance as I don’t understand the rules of most card games. I’m definitely the weak link on the card game side of things.

Sarah: That’s why we had the house band in the video so we don’t go anywhere near the card playing table!

You’re album ‘Of Time and Tides’ is out on the 13^th January; how does that compare to the single?

Sarah: I think our album is quite varied. I would say it’s fundamentally pop but then we’ve drawn upon lots of different influences, so there are a few songs that are a bit heavier and a few songs that are a bit lighter and more cinematic in terms of their production. It’s very melody-driven so we try to be about the hook and so on.

Joe: We just want people to sing along, that’s what it’s all about for us.

The album was recorded on a vintage desk; was that a conscious choice and did it bring the sound to life?

Joe: We were really lucky as we got to work with our producers and Seb’s got some wonderful kit that really adds some weight and warmth to any of the recordings that we were doing. He also had a really good ear in trying to compliment the songs with the different sound palettes, so he was a really useful person to be involved in the whole creative process. The desk was lovely and I would recommend anyone looking to record to definitely drop by Riverside studios as that desk is awesome!

Sarah: It was stationed at the Royal Opera House so again it definitely helped contribute to our sound and the classical influence.

You’ve recently been performing live; how did those gigs go?

Sarah: They went really well! We’ve had three gigs in the last week in really quite different venues, but it’s been fantastic and we really feel like we’re getting into the groove of our live performance. I think when live we have a harder edge. I think our rock sensibilities come across more when we’re live.

Joe: It’s been nice to cut loose as the album is slightly more pop and shiny whereas live it’s a little more visceral and brutal, but we like a bit of that!

Sarah: If anyone wants to come and see us live we’re going to be playing in London again on the 16^th December and another gig on the 17^th which is for Oxjam.

Do you have any big ambitions for 2017?

Joe: We’re really, really hell-bent on getting into the festival scene next year, when that all starts to kick off. We’re very keen on getting out and playing and we’re already in the process of penning songs for our second album, out towards the end of next year. It’s all really go at the moment, it’s a vibrant and exciting time. It’s just finding the time to get everything done. It’s a bit manic but we’re loving it!

And finally it’s getting to the time of Christmas pop songs. As a group would you ever pen a Christmas single and what’s your festive pop tune of choice?

Joe: We’d definitely pen a festive pop song because if you have a successful one then you’re made really and you’re going to get that cheque.

Sarah: I’m a sucker for some sleigh bells so if I can get them into a song at any point I’ll be a happy lady. My favourite Christmas song would have to be one of the classics – ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’

Joe: I’d probably go with something more credible like the Pogues. But I think Sarah secretly wants the one by Mariah Carey.

Sarah: You can’t go wrong with that! Once you hear that song you know that Christmas is coming!

Find out more about the Hallows on Facebook.

KBPS Review: Tom Chaplin - The Wave

Perhaps the frontman of Keane has recently been listing a lot to Seafret as, like their recent debut LP, the theme of water and the sea flows through it, if you'll excuse the pun.

Fans of Keane will be on familiar ground here as there's not a huge departure from the sound of the full band, but even for an act known for a downbeat look on music, this album is quite an introspective, gloomy piece, as showcased by the darker 'Still Waiting' that opens. Chaplin is on strong songwriting form and the production is strong, but you can't help wishing at times he'd lift the mood up a little.

'Hardened Heart' which is up next boasts more strings and a perkier chorus and sounds more like recent Keane material, whilst 'The River' is once more sombre in tone until the jerky synth moments bring it up to something more friendly. 'Worthless Words' remains on one level; whilst 'I Remember You' with its comparatively jaunty rhythm becomes one of my favourites on the piece.

'Bring The Rain' is as tonally recognisable as the title would suggest but there's a certain welcome warmth to it. 'Hold Onto Our Love' is once more quite gentle and downbeat whilst single 'Quicksand' proves, with its clearer production and more positive sound, it deserved to be the main cut from the album.

'Solid Gold' is a nice enough follow up whilst 'See It So Clear', with its stripped-back vibe and sing-a-long chorus make it one of the better tracks on the LP. 'The Wave' finishes things off thematically.

Keane have always been known for their ballads as much as their anthems and it's the former that comes to the fore in this solo spin off. There are a handful of stand out tracks and the vibe is pleasant and ear-pleasing, but at times you'd wish Chaplin would inject more songs with the energy of 'Spiralling' into his work. That said the lyrics are very personal and it's all done with such love and dedication. (6/10)

KBPS Review: Maren Morris - Hero

For too long Kacey Musgraves has had it all her own way as the youthful voice of modern American country but now Maren Morris has stepped onto the scene with her first album on a major label. 'Hero' is a bit less country than Musgraves and certainly packed with much more attitude and swearing but it's no less fun to listen to with eleven catchy, enjoyable country-pop numbers.

The LP kicks off with the sweet-sounding 'Sugar' that stretches the metaphor over a sexy sounding track that even has chance to reference Christmas in its surprisingly rocky number. 'Rich' has a Joan Jett vibe to the more country-tinged record and is my favourite track on the record thanks to its fun swagger. 'My Church' is a slower number and feels more like it ticks the country tropes and sounds a little Musgraves in its subject matter and has quite an anthemic rhythm and a very hooky chorus.

'I Could Use A Love Song' is a smooth subdued ballad whilst '80s Mercedes' is a bit poppier in its delivery but with a stadium-friendly chorus and further modern references.

'Drunk Girls Don't Cry' boasts a quirky vocal hook which opens the track, building up to quite a catchy little number and is another of my favourite, with plenty of ballsy lyrics. 'How's It Done' once more lowers the pace and gives Morris' voice more time to shine, but it's a track that doesn't quite as grab you as the others.

'Just Another Thing' switches to a more casual style, with hints of the Drifters in its verse, before the chorus bursts into life. 'I Wish I Was' continues the vibe, offering a gentle, more stripped-back country number. 'Second Wind' kicks the pace up more and returns to the pop-attitude and hooks of the earlier part of the album to great effect. Things tie up with the powerful 'Once' which is a high point to end on.

'Hero' might be labelled as country but it's perhaps more pop than, say, Kacey Musgraves, but as a ballsy, well written and sung collection of songs it really works. Morris' vocals are great as are her confident, attitude-filled lyrics, and I look forward to hearing more from her. (7.5/10)

New Music Review #011

Another ten songs we'd like to recommend to you!

Busted - One Of A Kind

Busted are back and continue their grown-up sound on this mid-tempo pop record. (6.5/10)

Charlie Puth - Dangerously

Puth's vocals are once more on top form on this emotional ballad. (6/10)

The Chemical Brothers - C-h-e-m-i-c-a-l

They are back with this familiar sounding track, though I can't put my finger on where I've heard it before. It's still good though. (6/10)

DNCE - Be Mean

With a smattering of innuendos it's not a classy song but it has enough pop fun to keep it together. (6.5/10)


Emeli Sandé - Breathing Underwater

Though it doesn't have the energy of 'Hurts' it's stlll a great soaring ballad. (7.5/10)

Fickle Friends - Brooklyn 

'Brooklyn' is a catchy little electro-pop number led by some great listenable vocals. (6.5/10)

Kaleo - Way Down We Go 

Kaleo return with a dramatic, bassy little indie-rock number that is great after a couple of listens. (6/10) 

Laura Mvula - Ready or Not

Taking the famous phrase and building a song around it, this is her best song in a long time. (6/10)

Olly Murs - Back Around

'Back Around' is a little Olly Murs by-numbers but it's poppy enough for his fans. (6/10)

Thomas Rhett - Star Of The Show

'Star of the Show' is a great catchy pop-country crossover number. Great single! (8/10)

New Music Review #010

Another ten tracks you must listen to!

BETSY - Wanted More

With a voice that sounds like a modern Cher, this is both a great song through the lyrics, the soaring chorus and BETSY's stand-out and unusual vocals. (7.5/10)


Cast - Do That

A nice gentle little soft-rock song that is worth a listen. (6/10)

Charli XCX feat. Lil Yachty  - After The Afterparty

The lyrics might be shallow and fag-packet but as a catchy pop-song it works, though I can take or leave the Autotuned breakdown from Lil Yachty. (7/10)

The Collapsable Hearts Club feat. Jim Bianco & Petra Haden - Easy Street 

Sounding like it's been ripped straight from a cheesy musical, it's still quite catchy because of it. (7/10)


Garth Brooks - Baby Let's Lay Down and Dance

A funky little upbeat country song that breathes new lift into Brooks' catalogue (7/10).

JP Cooper - September Song 

I suppose this had to be released in September. A catchy, summery, big chorused pop song with a fun, if slightly familiar, breakdown. (7/10)


Panic! At The Disco: Hallelujah

It's not as huge as their big hitters but the familiar mix of music, vocals and lyrics are still solid for them. (7/10)


Passenger - When We Were Young

It's no secret than I'm a big fan of Passenger, and when he releases songs like this it's no wonder. Though sharing a title with songs by Adele, Take That and the Killers this is an original song but with a similar amount of heart. (7/10)

Sigma feat. Birdy - Find Me

It's Birdy's vocals that make this song, otherwise Sigma's work is very derivative of their previous work. (6.5/10)


Tom Speight - Love

This acoustic-guitar and harmony-led country song is a smooth, gentle little number that will warm your heart. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #009

Another ten tracks recommended for you!

Bebe Rexha - I Got You

A fun catchy pop-dance number from an artist with a great name. (7/10)

Biffy Clyro - Rearrange

It's not a million miles away from what you'd expect from Biffy Clyro, but the gentle vibe and vocal effects work well. (6.5/10)

Devil's Witness - The Wild Things

With a pleasing bassy swagger and a sound-led chorus, it somehow comes together in a gritty, retro-sounding number. (6.5/10)

Disciples - Daylight

'Daylight' is a catchy little electro-pop number that's simple in its production and vocals but hooks you in. (7/10)

Dua Lipa - Room For 2

Another neat little single from Dua Lipa. It's quite gentle and forgiving but offers a warming listen. (6/10)

Hey Violet - Guys My Age

Build around the chorus of the title this is a cool little attitude-filled mid-tempo song with some nice musical guts. (7/10)

Juliette Ashby - Build Up The Strong

With a distinctive reggae and ska influence, this is a funky, jazzy little pop number with Ashby's vocals taking centre stage. (7.5/10)

Lower than Atlantis - Dumb

Another strong soft-rock from the band with a catchy enough chorus to keep you interested. (6.5/10)

The Slow Show - Ordinary Lives

It perhaps starts a little William Shatner but eventually the quality of the lyrics, the strings and the distinctive Faithless-like vocals kick in and it shows its heart and becomes more Johnny Cash meets Leonard Cohen. (7.5/10)

Temples - Certainty

The lyrics and verses are a little flat but the electro-synth riff is a great hook and lifts the track up. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #008

Another ten songs for your listening pleasure!

April Towers - Get Recovered

With hints of eighties Depeche Mode, this dark and simple indie number has hints of much more under its surface. (6/10)

Banfi - Happy When You Go 

Though the chorus renders the song unradio-friendly the quirky fast-paced style at odds to the music and the buzz of the lyrics make it work. (6.5/10)

Bring Me The Horizon - Oh No

BMTH are back with this mid-tempo ode to falling out of love. It's verses help build up to a stronger chorus that should please fans and newbies alike. (6.5/10)

Hello Casanova - I'll Be Waiting

'I'll Be Waiting' is a well produced slice of indie-rock with a poppier, Biffy Clyro-like chorus. It's certainly a grower. (6/10)

Icona Pop - Brightside

Though not as huge as their previous singles 'Brightside' is a fun enough light-dance track. (6/10)


Jake Bugg - Put out the Fire

'Put Out The Fire' is not a huge departure from Jake's previous work so should please the fans, but it's a nice little simple stripped-back number. (6/10)

Matinée feat. Pier Ferrantini - Satellite

Matinée are back with this quirky indie number that ticks along quite nicely. It could do with something more hooky to lift it up, but it's a neat new track. (6/10)

Michael Bublé - I Believe in You

This time of year is stereotypically known as Bublé's time of year, and he possibly earns that crown with this touching, singable little pop ditty. (7/10)

The SSS - The One You Need

A neat little indie-rock number with a pleasing little chorus. It's not got a huge bomasticness to it but there's something about the style as it weaves in and out. (6/10)

Youth Club - Sorry

Youth Club are back with this nice little indie track with lyrics that are perhaps a bit perkier than the music, but the Caribbean feel to the production is nicely done. (6/10)