OC Music Magazine

Bruce Forrest

Released by: Rawkhead Records
Produced by: Zak Maloy

Track Listing:

     I often pop in a new CD and if not immediately impressed by the first track, move on to the next one.  I continue this process until I find something that grabs my attention.  More times than not, the CD gets tossed aside into a pile of rejects.
    However, Burn Halo, the self-titled debut from former OC local James Hart, formerly of 16 Visions, drew me in immediately.

     Dirty Little Girl kicks things off, with the ever-elusive, toe-tapping and catchy-chorus.  Save Me, the next track, keeps the rock driving and doesn't let up. Things slow down by track four with Too Late to Tell You Now, which could easily be on VH-1's Top 20 Countdown alongside bands such as Nickleback.
   I was expecting this debut to falter halfway through, but the consistency remained; produced by Zak Maloy - best known for his work with Daughtry - there isn't a bad track to be found. It straddles a fine-line between Guns n’ Roses-style 80’s hard-rock, and today’s commercial rock sound. A risky move that could possibly spell success for the band.
Whether this CD will catch on with today’s younger, attention deficit audiences, or older, more musically-selective fans remains to be seen. That aside, this CD definitely deserves your fair ear. If you like your rock and roll with that dirty R & B vibe, I highly recommend Burn Halo.

Photo Credits: 'Burn Halo' Album Cover