Posted by KB on 5/5/2020 to
Reviews In Brief
Hala (22 year old Ian Ruhala) is pleasant, like a 70 degree, sunny day. His songs have an easy gait to them and frame his voice perfectly. "Red Herring" is keyboard forward and not edgy with zero here to offend. It's geared to a young, glass half full, coffee house audience. Not that us more weathered folk won't find enjoyment from his breeziness, but it will feel a little 'lite'. Ruhala performed each instrument on the record, including guitar, piano, bass, drums, baritone ukulele, xylophone, vibraphone, and all vocals, creating a fairly dense sound. The guy has talent and with a dash of angst (or something similar) could put out that killer Ben Folds Five album. Airier of course.
Favorite Songs: Red Herring, Turn Out Right, Why Do You Want Anything To Do With Me, Lies
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