The fourth album from Jim Halfpenny, Historical past Pays a Go to delights in its melodic rock, people, and nation fusing — set inside a thematic introspection on the issues that encourage our private journeys. Halfpenny, a California native, notes that many of the album takes inspiration from “folks, locations, and occasions, both actual or imagined, and the way they’ve affected each myself personally and the world all through our human historical past.” Additionally a former movie composer, Halfpenny excels with stellar songwriting that tackles each warming sentimentality and trendy threats with clever perception.
“Second of Science” opens the album with an amiable rock enchantment, infusing twangy guitar tones amidst playful keys and harmonious vocal layers. The themes inside replicate a really trendy dilemma, relating to the risks of AI and its potential dominance. Lyrics be aware how “all people seems to be towards the longer term,” amidst tender guitars — whereas additionally letting out “however they overlook concerning the science and the historical past of the way forward for man.” Additionally displayed within the observe’s music video, “Second of Science” tactfully explores how AI can play a task in altering humanity’s path — and for the more serious, if revenue is prioritized forward of moral accountability.
“As I battle my each day battle, in opposition to tooth decay and plaque,” the vocals set free on “Historical past Pays a Go to,” charming in its interaction between relatable each day routines and extra lofty historic accounts — referencing caveman, kings/queens, and “battlefields the place fathers died.” A title-touting chorus follows with gripping immersion, with samples of sophistication speeches from JFK, MLK, and others emanating thereafter. The lyrics seemingly allude to how humanity continues to march ahead, even after tragedy — and the way humanity can hopefully be taught from its previous; the opening two tracks definitely emphasize these sentiments with invigorating call-to-action.
The standard of songwriting inside Historical past Pays a Go to by no means lets up from there. “Polar Caps” is particularly shifting in its lush people arsenal and heartfelt lyricism. “If the timing have been proper, it might catch me at dwelling taking part in solitaire,” Halfpenny sings, referencing “valuable air,” and different issues some might take without any consideration. “I don’t wanna die in my underwear,” he continues, as soon as once more proving concurrently relatable and poignantly pressing in warnings about local weather change’s continued impression. “Visiting Oblivion” comes subsequent on the album, furthering these semi-apocalyptic themes of foreboding. “An excessive amount of too late / I’m visiting oblivion,” sends chills, considering on the exigency of the world’s many points.
A extra smitten, lighter entrancement exhibits on “Calendar Woman,” asking “will you marry me once I come dwelling?” inside a caressing mix of folks and power-pop radiance. “You brighten up that spot the place I’ve pinned you,” these smitten sentiments proceed, along with a craving for “dwelling and a smile from my mom.” Historical past Pays a Go to enamors in its balancing of great contemplations on humanity with heart-tugging shows of emotion, leading to a vibrant and expressive array of charming songwriting from Jim Halfpenny.
