Customer Reviews

The Last Star

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Halfcocked is undoubtedly the most underrated rock act ever to be unleashed immediately after the birth of the 21st century. Possessing both the blistering metal elements of Betty Blowtorch AND the pop appeal of No Doubt, this band displays a perfectly balanced package that I feel was unfairly ignored by MTV. I can easily prove this by reviewing Halfcocked's major label debut CD "The Last Star," which was produced, by the way, by Spider One of Powerman 5000. Underneath the irresistable guitar rhythms and easily accessible choruses, frontwoman Sarah Reitkopp has written personal and complex lyrics dealing mostly with failed relationships, young adult angst and a little bit of drug dabbling on the side. "All by Myself," for example, expresses the daily frustrations of any misfit attempting to win acceptance and popularily from high school cliques. "Sell Out" is about a girl attending the Senior Prom and having to face (with solid pride) the cruel snickers of the gossiping guests surrounding her. "Sober" deals with another female who suspects her boyfriend is seeing another woman behind her back; the protagonist then concludes that he is having a secret affair. Perhaps "The Last Star's" signature song is none other than "Drive Away," a potential single about a couple making love in the back seat of their car. I just can't understand why Halfcocked's music hasn't been played in radio stations or even on VH1; such a talented group is close to unheard of in most of the mainstream media, yet could have easily walked the carpet among The Donnas, Kittie, Lillix and other such female-fronted acts that have gained mass appeal. But don't fret just yet, freaks and misfits; Halfcocked will NOT fade away easily. They are currently working on brand new audio material (as indicated last March on the Official Halfcocked Website) and hopefully a 2nd album is in the horizon. In the meantime, "The Last Star" is a MUST HAVE for rock music buyers, as well as the band's independent release "Sell Out."

Imagine, if you can, the Go-Go's joining forces with AC/DC and Guns n' Roses. OK, so this union is not a very likely happening. In the unlikely event that it did, however, the result would be something sassy and real like Halfcocked's new album, The Last Star.

Vocalist Sarah Reitkopp has a voice that emits '80s attitude and an affirmation that good 'ol rock n' roll is far from its grave. Guitarist Jonny is another standout, as he pounds out head-bopping, life-sized riffs and rich, precise guitar solos that much of the mainstream seems to find almost taboo. The rhythm section is consistently on target, and the five total members of Halfcocked obviously had a great deal of fun making this album; It has a slight "it's friday, let's go out and be crazy" kind of vibe that remains infectious throughout the whole album. Kudos to Spider of PM5K for making such a talented discovery, but mostly to Halfcocked for producing one of the greatest albums I've heard in quite some time.

Great music. i heard them on the SHrek SOundtrack, (their song 'bad reputation' is the greatest, but when i was littler i was always afraid to listen to it in front of my mother because it has damn in it about a million times). the music is awesome, but i can't quite bring myself to give it 5 stars because the cover art is pretty tacky.

I first discovered this band when listening to my brother's DRACULA 2000 CD, and I loved the song "Sober." Then, this summer, I got my hands on an Ozzfest 2001 preview album, and "I Lied" was featured on there. Ever since then, I have constantly been checking in the record stores for any Halfcocked CD I could get.

Finally, a local music store got THE LAST STAR in, and I bought it. I absolutely fell in love with the CD!! Every single song is awesome; there's not one track on here that I don't like. Sarah's voice is so amazing, and the guitar riffs rock... Halfcocked reminds me of something you'd get if you threw Pat Benetar into a metal band. This is definitely one of the best CD's I own!!

Blue Jean Online

I have to admit that back in the day I was a heavy metal mama. I dyed my hair blond, donned black bodysuits, and stalked through New Jersey malls with a pack of mallrats, with Poison and Metallica blaring in my Walkman.

I liked my music loud and angry. With their throaty vocals, driving guitar riffs, and dark pro-casual sex, drugs, and alcohol "anything goes" style lyrics, Halfcocked makes me a little bit nostalgic for my heavy metal days. However, they're not quite loud, angry, or irreverent enough to satisfy my hard rock cravings. Slightly self-conscious and trying a little too hard to appear to live the rock 'n roll lifestyle, Halfcocked should focus less on seeming tough and more on making honest music.

The potential for true greatness lies in the group's messages about self-esteem, empowerment, and spontaneity in songs like "All By Myself" and "Touchdown", but even these songs feel contrived. Positive messages and all, I'd still take disgusting and degrading G'n'R over Halfcocked any day.

Halfcocked's "The Last Star" is one of those cds that you debate on whether or not to keep it or trade it in. They have good qualities (infectious pop hooks, high energy rock riffs, palatable vocals) but they lack that true charisma or personality required to leave an impression. This release shows potential and promise but is elementary at best.

They were a local Boston band. In 1999 their lead guitarist quit to get married & moved to the carolinas. My daughter was a friend of a friend & tried out. So did Johnny Rock. Jaime became rythym & Johnny an awesome lead. Unfotunately the band had a nasty bi-polar bassist, a female marilyn manson with no talent. They were advised to dump her. Unfortunately they kept her till they moved to LA. She's the pig who ruined the band. That & the release date of 911. They were good,& badly treated.

One of the few bands in this numetal, rapcore, and pop punk era that still rock. Riffs with a solid grove, decent female vocals, a great package overall. I'd have to say this is the best overall half cocked album. One thing to notice however is that more than half the songs are reworks of ones on the two previous albums. It is missing only one really good one from occupation: rock star, that being Breakdown. It only has one song from "Sell Out," and it certainly isn't the best one. I won't say "Sell Out" is better, but it is close,SO's songs are a little heavier and slower, but the album is still a must have. THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT THIS ALBUM IS BAD BY ANY MEANS, if it were all covers, hell, i wouldn't buy it because I have the first two, MOST IMPORTANTLY, ALL THE NEW SONGS ARE AWESOME, a must have.

From start to finish, it's uptempo loud guitars, huge chorus's, great singing, I call them Buckcherry's Sister...no filler, this CD just oozes good time Rock N Roll! It's so sad that they didn't stay together very long after this release. This has so many great songs, it would probably take many bands about 10 years to create this many great songs; and this is their first full length album! Sadly I guess it's their last. Fronted by Sarah Reitkopp, this mixed gender band seemed destined for greatness. If you can get your hands on this CD somehow, you will not be sorry. Very good hard rock with a great sound. I can listen to this along with other glam rock, or even put it in the player with Classic/Traditonal Metal or whatever to get you pumped up for a night out or just to put you in a great mood. Get your head bobbing like the old days to rawk and roll!

[edit July 21, 2009]

Heard a band called "Halestorm" today that sounded almost exactly like this record...bummer I thought it was new Halfcocked. I guess now Halestorm will be big while this CD released about 8 years ago still goes unnoticed...fine.
There seems to be tons of female fronted hard rock bands out there now, and of course none of them appeal to me as much as Halfcocked did...I guess if you are into such bands, at least give this band a chance! I read somewhere that Sarah is now some type of guidance counselor at a high school perhaps, kinda sad...but good for the students to have such a beautiful counselor I guess.

Halfcocked was a really cool, poppy rock & roll band that could have been real big. Dreamworks really dropped the ball here. wish Halfcocked was still around.