Track Listing:

1. Eternal Sun
2. The Chase
3. Crowbar
4. Son
5. Nevertheless
6. Mind Control
7. Dawning Days
8. Tripped & Fell
9. Natural Reaction
10. Down the Line
11. Erosion

Album Review:

 
Dawning Days is the debut album from Hello Mahalo, released on the fledgling label Band Stand Live Records. This quartet from Massachusetts has put forth an album of compelling compositions with great musicianship.

Hello Mahalo's style is reminiscent of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus, Sublime, and the like. The sounds of Jared Pizzaro's and Justin Hardy's dueling guitars even remind me of Blind Melon at times. The songwriting is very strong, especially on the emotional track "Son". The production is a little thin in spots, but because the songs are so well crafted, it's easy to focus attention on what's important; the music.

Justin Joyce has a great voice. He uses his strong vocal abilities to deliver the intricate vocal arrangements with impressive precision. Though precise, the vocals also bear sufficient amounts of flourish to make the songs interesting. Joyce's ability to add a special flair to the vocals is what really separates Hello Mahalo from other bands in the genre, and it is one of the things this album could use more of.

Overall, this album is very satisfying. The band has a refreshing sound and style that makes them stand out. It's an uncommon treat to find a band whose members are not only extremely talented musicians, but also skillful song writers and story tellers. This will be a band to watch, and hear, for some time to come.

Type 3 Rating:

 
| 12.02.2007 | Review by J. Pierson |