Brian Halloran releases new EP

Singer-songwriter Brian Halloran has been an enduring presence of the New York City music scene, with a career spanning over three decades. Known for his tireless work ethic, he performs more than 250 shows every year, a feat that’s earned him a reputation as a staple of the city’s live music circuit. Since debuting in 2003 with his album Jasper, he’s delivered an expansive discography, releasing six albums that showcase his original and personal journey as a songwriter and storyteller.

This year has been particularly prolific for Bria Halloran. Following the release of his album Overnumerousness earlier in the year, he’s returned with a new EP, Four Orphans. This latest release is a collection of four tracks that didn’t quite fit into his previous albums, yet their distinctive character called for a dedicated home.

The EP’s title reflects their status as musical “orphans,” now united into a cohesive and compelling offering. Drawing inspiration from 90s alternative pop rock bands such as R.E.M., Counting Crows, Semisonic and Gin Blossoms, Brian serves up a sound that’s at once nostalgic and uniquely his own.

The EP opens with “The Only Thing Keeping Me Down,” a track centred on the theme of personal accountability that sees Brian reflect on taking responsibility for his emotional state, delivering reflective lyrics layered over a bouncy indie rock arrangement. Partly recorded in Los Angeles, the track features the backing vocals of Fiona Huxley and bass and keyboards from her father Craig. Brimming with elegant melodies and warm harmonies, the intricate blend of acoustic and lightly crunchy guitars driven by shuffling drums delivers a truly charming outing that’s catchy and poignant in equal measure.

“For a Song” shifts gears, offering an upbeat and infectious rhythm inspired by Dan Wilson of Semisonic, one of Brian’s favorite songwriters. Written as a departure from a string of more mellow compositions, this track serves as a fun pop-focused jam, brimming with energy and positivity. Backing vocals from Kacie Sky and lively lead guitar licks courtesty of Zack Zaro add to the playful sound and instantly memorable quality of this superb highlight on the EP.

The reflective tone returns with “Your Satellite,” a tender ode to unrequited love wrapped in a stripped-down and sincere soundscape that showcases Brian’s ability to craft poignant, heartfelt songs. Kacie Sky lends her vocal talents once again, backing the rich and elegant leads of Brian on this delicate and laid back piece.

The EP closes with “Spin My Wheels,” a track Brian considers one of his personal favourites to date but despite its significance, it had never found a place on one of his releases until now. Inspired by Counting Crows’ Recovering the Satellites, the song shines with jangly guitar tones and commanding vocals, building with intensity and punchy rhythm into a colourful and timeless sound, where bright keys and organ from TJ Viola combines with Brian’s captivating voice to deliver a rousing finale to his stellar new EP. With two further albums planned for 2025, Brian Halloran shows no signs of slowing down on his lasting and decorated musical adventure.

Listen to Four Orphans below