We all have our tendencies and taste. We have buzzwords that we use to describe music that we love, and we have buzzwords that describe music we hate. It’s just enough “this” or it’s too much “that,” One of the words we often assign to music we hate is, “pop.” We all like to believe that we live in a bubble where we are the ones with taste and as things gain traction we revolt against them. It’s hard to remember that much of the music that stays attached to us showed up on the radio as a kid, was popular, catchy, full of hooks and thick with accessibility. So when I say that Half Dead shows a strong intelligent pop sensibility, it’s not an insult. I mean it’s something that burrows, gets stuck in the part of your head where things you can’t shake out live. It’s an album that’s alive with intentional songwriting, storytelling, and exceptional musicianship.

I’ve been a fan of Nic Allen’s work for a while, and so I thought I came into Half Dead knowing what to expect, I was mistaken. Nic’s first release On The Hilltop was well crafted, and had a similar vibe to it, and it wasn’t terribly long ago. I expected an extension of that record with new songs, and I was here for it. When I put the record on, I was pleasantly surprised to find a record that was more sonically in place with songwriting and structure that felt far more mature. The record was beautifully produced, felt polished and clean, without sounding sterile. Musicians in the genre of Americana tend to lean more in the direction of under produced and raw for the sake of their audience wanting authenticity. When an album strays too far the other direction, fans of the genre often turn on it. This album walks right to that line without setting a foot even an inch over. It makes for a record that’s easy to listen to, palatable, and feels like it should be on a platform shooting into the stratosphere. If any of the descriptors leading to this sentence have made my opinion on the record unclear, let me say plainly, it’s an amazing record that’s very well done.

“Who’s Gonna Save You” opens the record and has a sound that is reminiscent of some Americana legends that rolled through before. Heavily modulated guitar, and vocally, this song was a standout for me. I think it showcases the emotive nature of what Nic is capable of. It’s a song that takes you right to the place where you disappear in a song. As mentioned in the interview with Nic, the guitar tone here is inspiring, and if you’re a guitar player, it’s worth a listen for the guitar work alone. 

The lead single and title track of the album, “Half Dead,” has a bouncy vibe, lamenting the grind while still having the kind of rowdy blues vibe that you can picture a room moving to that may smell a little too much like stale beer. A real Honky Tonk banger, Nic said that he wanted an album that was upbeat with a Honky Tonk feel, if this song doesn’t fit that descriptor, I don’t know what does. 

“Too Late” is loud and closes out an exceptional record with guitar licks that push through the band in the way that is made to remind you that this album is more than a list of songs in the key of sad. It’s a great example of the musicianship that makes this album a must listen. A southern rock master class, searing guitar lines that are designed to cut you off at the knees and leave you limping for more and it succeeds; it’s a standout musically on an album full of exceptional musicianship. 

Nic was gracious enough to let us catch up with him and ask some questions.  

What inspired the sound of Half Dead?

Really, the only thing that inspired some of the sound is our desire to make a Honky-Tonk album with a little southern rock on a few tracks. We wanted to make a more upbeat record while still getting a few points across.

This album has a more mature and together sound and vibe, what do you contribute the growth to?

I think I contribute the growth to us as a group in general. We found what each member does best and allowed them to take the reins, so to speak. We also are getting more comfortable with each other and are able to feed off each other. A lot of the group was not present during the first record and I think it shows. Jeff Mcclelland is also growing as a producer and his skill shines through tremendously on this record. (Author note: That is the most understated comment in this interview. The production of this record is exceptional.)  

What would you want someone to know about the record they may not catch from just hearing it?

This record was recorded during the pandemic with social distancing in place. We each individually recorded our parts on separate days which made things a lot harder. Also the guys didn’t know and didn’t hear 90% of these songs before we started recording. They were able to come in and do something remarkable without hearing most of the songs. Also, Noah recorded his solo to “Who’s Gonna Save You” in one take, three separate times, and on three separate pickups. Jeff then meshed them all together to get a crazy unique guitar tone.

What were you listening to during the writing process?

Honestly my taste in music is all over the place and varies all of the time. When I start the writing process, I typically don’t listen to music until I get the work done. Mostly my writing comes from driving in my car completely quiet until a melody or a line comes to mind. I drive a lot for my job so this gives me a lot of time to think about what I want to write. It’s an odd process, but it seems to work out for the most part.

If you could make the world listen to just one album what would it be?

That’s a tough question. Like I said, my taste in music is all over the place. If I had to choose one album, I’d have to say Once More Round the Sun by Mastodon. It’s one of my favorite albums of all time.

Please take note that this album is already available where you get music! It’s worth taking the time to get to know this record and Nic’s work. If you’re a fan of Honky Tonk, Southern Rock, or just music in general, the time spent with this record is time well spent!

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