Live review from Whelan's, Dublin

Last time we caught up with Hal was on a cold January night in the Sugar Club where they looked and sounded every inch the band to watch out for in 2004. Seven months later and things haven’t changed all that much. Hal still look like a band who are going places.
But with just one single to their name and an album not expected ‘til next year, the South Dublin four-piece are clearly taking things slowly. The time is obviously being spent honing the songs, perfecting the stage show and, judging by tonight’s packed house, winning over an ever-increasing legion of fans.
Exquisitely performed versions of harmony and hook-laden songs like ‘Slow Down’, ‘Satisfied’ and the aforementioned single ‘Worry About The Wind’ were definite highlights. The set was a short one – clocking in at under 40 minutes and it suffered a little in the dynamics department, while at times their highly accurate re-treading of 1970’s FM pop textures comes across as a tad too studied.
But there’s no doubting the band’s genuine affection for that era and with numbers like the gorgeous ballad ‘Keep Love As Your Golden Rule’ in their armoury they should have little problem sustaining interest over the long haul.
Just hurry up with the album lads!