Half Bad by SAINT CLARE is an alt-rock, eighties-inspired ballad about the challenges that came from living through the early pandemic as well as, more broadly, how difficult mental health problems can make day-to-day life. The track has a subtle, sinister tone from beginning to end that ebbs and flows in energy through the verses and choruses. The bassline, passionate vocals, and subtle guitar trills reminded me a little of The Cure. Their songs like Lovecats and Lullabye came to mind immediately because the darker side of their sound was on display.
The vocals are the first thing that stood out to me in this track. It is a challenging balance the vocalist has to strike between honest vulnerability and confident, passionate delivery with this track and they nailed it. Each line feels connected to the vocalist as if they are exploring the emotional depth of the line. This passion felt especially noticeable on the grinding teeth line early on in the track. The mix of fear, uncertainty, and shame conveyed to the listener in the delivery shows a real connection between the lyrics and the vocalist.
The guitar is another fantastic aspect of the composition. It often acts almost as a call and response to the vocals, emphasising their delivery with licks and motifs to follow them. They enter the composition with this grinding industrial fuzz that feels perfect for the retro eighties aesthetic and pushes the enigmatic uncertainty at the song’s foundation. The guitar’s weight and depth add diversity to the sonic tapestry of the track, providing a richness that balances out the high register of the vocals and the hiss of the drums.
Half Bad stood out because of its excellent retro delivery and relevant take on current themes. The vocals feel strong and connected to the narrative and the composition follows through, not shying away from its eighties inspiration or heavy, personal themes.
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