The Halstead Clan
Album: The Halstead Clan
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 6
Website: https://soundcloud.com/thehalsteadclan

Father and son duo, The Halstead Clan, actually released their debut EP last year, but due to a wrong pile error that impacted a couple of artists, this review is later than it should be and the festive season didn't help with the catch up game.

Consisting of Nigel Garry Broadbent and Matthew 'Spraff' Broadbent, The Halstead Clan have mainly gigged in the West Yorkshire area, but on the strength of their showing on their self titled debut, they will hopefully start getting heard further afield.

The ep gives the impression of relaxed acoustic pop songs, laced with strong melodies and a simple uncluttered sound that ensures you can hear exactly what's going on, from enchanting lyrics to subtle backing/support vocals.

Most of the album consists of classic three minute pop songs from the more discerning side of the genre, but for me the stand out track on the EP also happened to be the shortest, "You And No One Else" which combines some emotional moments with the best elements of a list song.

Part of me came away thinking that if the Beach Boys had been a duo from Yorkshire, they probably would have sounded like this, but the bigger part simply thought, 'you know what I enjoyed that!' and all in all, that's how it should be.

Neil King