Score: 4/5
For years, Halestorm has been an underground hard rock gem. It’s sweeping choruses and powerhouse Pat Benatar-like vocals from frontwoman Lzzy Hale belong to the ’80s, but in 2015, they just don’t fit anywhere in the current mainstream musical landscape. The underground scene appears to suit them, as Halestorm’s third album “Into the Wild Life” is a perfect lesson in how to make great modern rock music.
“Into the Wild Life” is as fun, smooth and edgy as the lead vocalist’s style, full of suggestive lyrics and devil-may-care attitude.
Standout track “Apocalyptic” is the best and most fun song on the album. Hale’s vocal delivery is the epitome of Joan Jett edginess and sensuality. On the fast-paced song, Hale sings about giving her soon-to-be ex-lover one last night to love her. “I’ll give you one last time to make me miss it. Baby, love me apocalyptic,” she sings. The song is straight out of the ’80s hard rock playbook, complete with a guitar solo.
“What Sober Couldn’t Say” is a slowed-down track with heavy subject matter, proving Halestorm can successfully deviate from the fast and fun songs more prominently featured on the album like “Apocalyptic.” Hale’s powerful voice is much softer on the track as she sings about being drunk and now having enough courage to say what she really thinks. “I’m so over this love gone violent. I’m drunk and brave enough to say what sober couldn’t say,” she croons. Much like the rest of the album, this track sounds like it belongs on the ’80s Billboard Hot 100.
What the album, and ultimately Halestorm, suffers from is the double-edged sword of its perfected vintage rock sound. The sound works nicely, especially with Hale’s vocals, but the songs can sometimes come off as dated. However, the dated aspect of the music isn’t entirely negative, as it provides a refreshing change from more mainstream music, in which this kind of rock is basically nonexistent.
“Into the Wild Life” is like a time warp. It doesn’t dwell in the world of EDM, trap beats or autotune. Lead vocalist Lzzy Hale simply sings her heart out on every track, with cheeky yet poignant lyrics over standard hard rock instrumentals. Overall, “Into the Wild Life” is a rock lover’s dream and an enjoyable rebellious ride.