Halflives Music Review

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Halflives – Music Review

I am something of a music lover. And I have to say that I have been enjoying a lot of music I have been exposed to lately. But not all of the music has been mainstream. As I said when I reviewed the band Cloning , one of the joys of Instagram has been discovering new music and new bands that I am really getting into.

One of the more recent bands I have discovered is an Italian band called Halflives.

I found some music on Instagram, then bought two CDs, including the band's debut, and through the regular emails I have been sent, found some more great music on YouTube. Apparently, the band is now a solo project by front-woman Linda Battilani.

Truth be told, it is her voice that has drawn me into the music.

Halflives is described as "alternative rock", and I hear a lot of the sound of many other bands in the music, but without being derivative of any of them. This is not the pop that has dominated the female singer-songwriter scene for so long, and it is the better for out, enabling the music and Linda's voice to stand out all the more. While I have only heard two of the EPs and the music on YouTube, I have been very impressed.

This is not rock music that confronts with its abrasiveness (as much as I do like that style), but is more reflective, with a decent share of slower tracks. And she handles all of it so well.

The album's first! Please note, I have scanned the cover images in, as they were signed by Linda.


Empty Rooms (2017)

An 8-track EP, this debut album stands as a great introduction to the band. You have some slower tracks, some that rock hard and some in the middle somewhere. What that means is that this album is one that is going to give you a bit of everything, and yet it is constructed so that it does not jar, but flows from track to track. And, at the forefront, there is Linda's voice. There is something of the Lzzy Hale about it on this album, and I mean that in a good way. Also a touch of Alex Lahey (my favourite female singer at the moment), so you know I was going to love this one. I wish I'd found this album earlier!
Favourite track: 'Empty Room'



V (2021)

A 5-track EP, all the song titles starting with the letter V (why hasn't anyone else thought of that?) and, for those of a sensitive disposition, language warning. This album is harder than the last one, with a more powerful instrumentation, but still, Linda's voice is there, at the forefront. No matter what, it is smooth and so easy to listen to. The whole album is great, not a band song amongst the five, and I can imagine all of these being performed live. Four years between these two releases, and her voice has not changed. This is a band worth getting into.
Favourite track: 'Valkyrie'



Now to showcase the tracks I liked most from her YouTube channel .


'All The Things She Said' featuring Mercedes Arn-Horn (2016)

A cover of the t.A.T.u. song, and a very faithful rendition, with the additional female voice adding to that style of the original.


'Welcome To The Black Parade' (2016)

A stripped-back and slowed-down version of the emo classic, one of My Chemical Romance's very best. The change in style is really good and showcases Linda's voice so well.


'perfectly broken' (2024)

(stylised in lower case) This song is a stunning one with some incredible lyrics. I think this is my favourite song by the band. Just glorious.


'Immortals' (2025)

More really strong lyrics; her songwriting certainly has become more interesting as she has become more experienced. There is a little more of a pop sheen to this song, but that rock sensibility is still there; this is the sort of music that is in the charts now, and this should be thee.


'No Way Out' (2025)

And we finish with a track that does that quiet verse, rocking chorus style I have loved since the 1980s. There is so much to love here.


I believe there is a new album due for release later this year, and as soon as I am financially enough, I will be grabbing a copy. Halflives and Linda Battilani have been a truly magnificent musical find for me. I love her voice, and just going through what I have been able to has shown me how talented she is and how much she deserves more recognition.

Now, here's a thought – as most regular readers know, I am a Eurovision tragic . Would it be out of the realm of possibility for Italy to choose Halflives as an entrant one year?

Anyway, I recommend Halflives. While I know they will probably never make it Down Under, at least I have the music. Their website is the best place to get merchandise and music. A newish band; give them a go. Support independent music.

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