by Ljubinko Zivkovic (@zivljub)
Being a fan of a certain style or a band is no shame, particularly if you feel the essence of that sound and then add something new, something personal. For Half Stack and its three initial members Peter Kegler (vocals, guitar), Marley Lix-Jones (vocals, guitar), and Digger Barrett (drums) [Oliver Pinnell and Callum Beals were later additions] it just might be that West Coast sound, particularly that line in it initiated by The Byrds. Yet, like some other artists/bands (think Beachwood Sparks), Half Stack are not simply just avid record collectors and fans turned into copycats, but songwriters/performers that have that essence of a particular sound built into their personas and who are able to bring something of their own into that sound.
It is something that was built up gradually, as the trio developed as a band, starting out with lo-fi, garage-inflected energy which they built into their early country-inflected jams and common ground they had for folky music. All felt early on in their self-titled EP (2018) and first album Quitting Time (2018). Their second album Wings of Love (2020) already showed signs of an excellent individual sound, something that is in full force on their latest, Sitting Pretty.
It is quite an apt title, as Kegler, who was the leading songwriter on their previous efforts, now gives more limelight to Lix-Jones, both with songwriting and vocals. While the styles of the two seem to converge here, there is that individuality and shared vocals that bring an extra touch of individuality and diversity to Half Stack’s sound. As far as the quality of songs, you can take your pick of excellence - from the opening “I Might Try” through “New Light” and the brilliant “Diamond Dancer” or anywhere on the album. You are left to conclude only one thing - it is no half stack, but a full one for sure.