Out of the Fog
guiding light of
underground scene

Out Of The Fog The Halifax Underground 1986

You may think you're in tune with the metro music scene, but pick Out of the Fog: The Halifax Underground  1986, on the independent Flamingo Records you're bound to be surprised.

Funny thing is,  you won't see these bands performing anywhere in town but at Halifax's newly-opened Club Flamingo, which is deliberately dedicated to promoting underexposed local talent.

The compilation album reflects a degree of accomplishment that Halifax should — but isn't — proud of. To be sure, compilation albums are just that, and the result is therefore somewhat uneven. But one thing is sure: these bands are singing and playing their hearts out, and most have matured greatly since the album tryouts were held via a series of concerts last winter.

Basic English's Love Won't Wait is a rollicking Bob Dylanish-tune. The rich voice of Mike Brennan of the Lone Stars evokes a countrified Mark Knopfler or Bruce Springsteen with a wrenching vision of small-town life in Dying Town.

Mark Welner's Who's That Jerk She's With sounds like an amusing parody of several Stones tunes and The Boviner's Song by the Killer Klamz is a smooth number that uses saxophone to good advantage.

Production on this album is good considering the time the bands had to work with and the absence of a big production budget.