Pedalo - ‘Halfway House’ | Single Review
September 21 | Written By Emma Porteous
Pedalo, a five member band hailing from all corners of Scotland have released their new single 'Halfway House' as their second addition to their growing discography.
Though they are a fairly newly-formed band founded in early 2022, they have already gained a steadily growing dedicated fanbase through their gigging - already selling out shows at The Poetry Club and other popular venues. Not only this but they played as a headliner at the historic King Tut's Wah Wah Hut earlier this month!
Pedalo's rapid success can be attributed to their refreshing collaborative musical sound which fits snugly under the indie rock genre; although the band confess their musical influences are as varied as their hometowns. They were formed as part of their university experience in Glasgow University, where they were already looking to join a band and make music together. Their collaboration has been an innate part of their band experience, with their debut single 'Trapdoor' having been written by each member of the band and produced personally by the band also.
'Halfway House' is a catchy and upbeat track which is sure to be a welcome earworm to any listener. On the first listening experience it is easy to get carried away by the whimsical and bright tune, however on further listening there is a deeper meaning to the lyrics which seems to imply that the song may be about sleeping or the moment between sleep and awake. "I'm at the halfway house in my dreams / and now I will be ever-falling, / until you scream my name" This verse could be an allusion to the nature of dreams appearing real and normal on the surface but strange or concerning upon further inspection. Furthermore, the mantra of "I am nothing" subverts the listener's expectations as mantras are usually positive and promote self-worth and confidence. However this mantra may be included to encourage audience participation in live shows as it is chanted louder in the recording and could be easily mimicked by chanting audience members.
Clearly the song has multiple interpretations, however the band have not given a single meaning to the song, allowing the track to remain mysterious and instead the audience can decide what meaning and memories they weave into the lyrics. The instrumentation is also light and humble, with a warm rounded sound from the guitars and drums accompanying the candid vocals.
'Halfway House' is a success of musical collaboration between band members and friends, as well as being a memorable song which is now available to listen to on Soundcloud and Spotify. Lovers of indie rock and dreamy music are bound to have this song added straight to their playlists.