Album Review: In Loving Memory Of The Fearless Exploits Of The Bolo Brigade by Twisted Halo
Twisted Halo’s In Loving Memory Of The Fearless Exploits Of The Bolo Brigade is a rock album that feels like an unfiltered dive into raw emotion and alternative grit. Released in 2016 under Guilty Pleasure Records, this Filipino project brings together some serious talent—produced by Buddy Zabala, Raymund Marasigan, and Vin Dancel—and delivers a mix of punchy riffs, introspective lyrics, and unexpected twists. If you’re into alt-rock with heart, this one’s worth your time.
The album kicks off strong with "Unsettled," which lives up to its name. It starts slow but builds into something chaotic yet oddly satisfying. You can tell Twisted Halo isn’t afraid to experiment here; the track layers distorted guitars over moody vocals, creating a vibe that sticks with you long after it ends. Then there’s "36" (also listed as “No. 36”), a standout for its haunting melody and cryptic lyrics. There’s just something about how the song shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses—it keeps you guessing, almost like they’re telling a story without spelling everything out. These two tracks alone make the album memorable, proving Twisted Halo knows how to balance chaos and control.
Other songs like "Solace" and "Hostile Takeover" keep the energy alive while exploring different moods. Whether it’s the melancholic tone of "My Happy Thoughts" or the driving rhythm of "Asan Na?," each track adds depth to the overall experience. And yeah, having both "Closed Captioned" and "Close Captioned" on the same record might confuse listeners at first glance, but hey, maybe that’s part of the charm?
What makes this album stand out isn’t just the music itself—it’s the way it feels personal. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on someone working through their thoughts, doubts, and frustrations. Sure, not every track hits perfectly, and a few moments could’ve been tighter, but that rough-around-the-edges quality gives it authenticity.
Final thought? This album reminds me why I love discovering bands from outside the usual Western bubble. Twisted Halo doesn’t try too hard to fit any mold—they just create what feels right. Honestly, if more albums had this kind of fearless spirit, playlists everywhere would feel less predictable. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this made me realize my Spotify algorithm needs better taste because it didn’t recommend it sooner!