Hallows
Dream
Artoffact Records

Los Angeles duo Hallows’ third album Dream is something of a departure in terms of style, forgoing the darkwave that informed their first two LPs and diving deeper into the synthpop sounds that they’ve been hinting at in recent singles. Recorded with producer Matia Simovich, it’s a record that suggests that the move was a good one, as it’s resulted in their most consistent and enjoyable effort to date.

Hallow’s greatest asset has always been Vaneesha Dusoruth and Dom Rolando’s charming presence, which easily sold their material in a live setting but wasn’t always present in their recorded output. Dream does a good job of capturing Hallows’ personality as an act, and delivering it in a glossy, tightly put together package. “Find a Way” pairs up Dusoruth’s retiring vocal delivery with a snappy italo-infused arrangement of chattery synths, neon synths and busy drum programming, leaving her plenty of room on the verses so when they all come together on the chorus it feels properly uplifting. Alternately, “Regret” finds Rolando delivering a cut entirely in French, which suits its European electro, all squelchy bass and ticky hi-hats, all appropriately melodramatic choices for the song’s more downcast vibe.

The other aspect of worth noting is how much stronger the material is in general. Where Hallows have always had some pretty good ideas and charisma, the songs didn’t always coalesce, often lacking a proper hook, or being weighed down by unfocused arrangements. Those issues are redressed by tightening up their songs and keeping the focus on whatever the individual song’s best musical element is. In the case of opener “Two Bodies”, it’s all about how Dusuroth’s vocals play against its main arpeggio, releasing the tension built up between choruses. And the title track is as good as the duo have ever sounded singing together, locked into a simple but pleasant bit of classic synthpop that is only as filled out as it needs to be to support the two voices that are its main attraction.

While Dream is still shy of the proper big anthemic synthpop choruses or insistent melodies that would put it over the top, it’s certainly a big step in the right direction for Hallows. In recognizing their own strengths, working with a producer who can help capture them, and zeroing in on a sound that feels entirely natural to them, it’s an indication that the band is closer than ever before to realizing their considerable potential, while also being fine listen in its own rite.

Buy it.