Magical-realist acousticore from one of America's more reclusive singer-songwriters

9 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, ROCK: Acoustic



Details:
Name: T. Hallenbeck
Raison d'etre: solo acoustic
Main instruments: guitar, voice
Other: cello, mandolin, mandola, mountain dulcimer
Previous bands: Harm Farm (gtr/voc), Crank (bass/voc)
Current ensemble project: Thread (www.threadsounds.com)
Born/raised: American Midwest
Current residence: California Coast


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Some reviews of "Secret Society"
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*** Space City Rock (http://www.spacecityrock.com) ***
(US)

T. Hallenbeck brings a mix of classical music, classic rock, and Celtic music to his album Secret Society. Purely an acoustic album, he plays guitar, cello, mandolin, and mandola on it. "Hymn to the Mothman" starts this record off with acoustic guitar and cello; all of the songs on this record have an otherworldly feel, like a biblical Renaissance Faire with a healthy dose of Star Trek Convention. Lyrical references run the gamut from the Lord of Creation to tachyons and all the way to frog pee. All the songs on this CD are short, with the longest slightly over three-and-a-half minutes and the shortest under a minute, and each song packs an understated power that draws in the listener.

I don't know who I would recommend this album to -- that is, I don't know what type of person would enjoy this record. I think of it as a fractal, getting more complex and intricate the closer you get.


*** Zeitgeist (http://the-rocker.freeservers.com) ***
(UK)

This one leapt up the queue with unseemly alacrity for, with apologies to all my musical friends out there, this is not only one of the best CDs this year, but one that went straight into the not too large pile marked 'essential'. "Secret Society" barely crawls over the
18 minute mark, contains 9 songs lasting under 2 minutes on average, and is a rare and wonderful thing of beauty.

....

This is what music should be like. Asking questions, probing emotions, seeking truth. "Good music for bad times" - nuff said.


*** babysue/LMNOP (http://www.babysue.com) ***
(US)

The cover letter that accompanied this CD caught our attention initially ("I hope you find this CD much more interesting than this cover letter.") ...but the tunes themselves made the real impression. California's T. Hallenbeck is a one man band with a difference. Instead of spewing out generic pop or alternative slop, Hallenbeck provides poignant, intelligent, and amazingly well-constructed tunes that are heady and extremely melodic. The overall sound of this album reminds us of both Roy Wood and Ian Anderson. The tunes are centered around an acoustic guitar...but Hallenbeck adds layers of cello, mandolin, and mandola (all of which he plays well) to create a finely woven web of acoustic instrumentation that supports his tunes perfectly. The vocals are absolutely great. Cool tunes like "Hymn to the Mothman," "Antigravity," and "Missing Time" make this album a thoroughly entertaining listen. Even though this is a top quality release chock full of smart and inventive tunes, you aren't likely to come across Secret Society in your local music shop. Visit this guy's web site. His music demands an audience. This is a damn fine album independently recorded and released. If only all self-produced projects were this good...