Hans Halstead’s album, 'Everything Was Better When It Was Worse,' is a striking blend of indie rock and folk storytelling, carrying the weight of history and personal reflection in every note.
One of the most gripping songs, 'Six Feet Under,' stands out with its narrative-driven delivery and mid-tempo rhythm. The fuzzy distortion on the electric guitars adds a haunting edge, amplifying the emotional intensity. The song’s themes, deeply influenced by the Parkland Shooting, make it one of the album’s most powerful statements.
Tracks like 'The American Dream' and 'Day of Love' further reflect his Dylan-esque songwriting approach. These songs do not just tell stories; they pose difficult questions about systemic failure, personal accountability, and the nature of justice. The lyrics in Day of Love, where he names each Parkland victim and voices their lost aspirations, are profoundly moving, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.
The album also steps into more personal and existential themes. 'Dancing at the Edge of the World' is a breathtaking reflection on love and survival in a world on the brink of collapse. The lines—“The sky is getting hazy. Soon, there might be no more daisies”—capture both the literal and metaphorical destruction of innocence.
Another standout, Is It Wrong?, challenges societal norms with raw vulnerability. Halstead questions identity, faith, and societal hypocrisy, delivering lines like “Jesus died, and Mary cried. But they tell me I’m not bi.” The juxtaposition of religious imagery with personal struggle creates a poignant and thought-provoking piece.
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