half full

The momentum of Half Full is undoubtedly spurred by Helen Garcia's incredible lead vocals. When you think of soul, you usually think of Aretha Franklin or maybe Mary J. Blige. You do not tend to think of the lead singer of a Toronto indie band. But now, and forevermore, I will associate Helen G's name with soul. Make that capital-s Soul. In addition to her voice, Helen G. also has the distinction of being pure joy to watch perform. Her stage presence conveys all of the energy and passion of her songs, and she transfers this energy and passion to the audience so that we feel we are on stage with her, or right inside the songs. Musically, the flamenco and folk-rock guitars fuse with the funk rhythms of the drums and bass to create an original and compelling sound. What a band to see live. Trust me. -

Lisa Johnson, Indievoice.com - http://www.indievoice.com/cgi-local/m2?db=eventsfeaturemarch2002lisa
- IndieVoice.com

If comparisons must be made, it's less of a stretch to cite the vituperative fire of Alanis Morissette as a reference point, which is especially clear on half full's "18 Days," an ode to relationship hell that makes "You Oughta Know" sound like a nursery rhyme. Backing Garcia's formidable pipes are a virtuoso band, driven by acoustic and classical guitars, that weave influences as diverse as flamenco, classical, jazz, blues and rock into an amalgam that defies easy pigeonholing. "Each of us has completely different influences, and that's what makes our sound so unique," she says. "Ollie, our guitar player, has a classical and flamenco background, then there's a bluesy, rockish, Ani DiFranco-esque sound from Dan, our other acoustic guitar player, and my voice goes from blues to rock to pop. I would say we're acoustic-bluesy- jazzy-funk-rock, but no one has been able to classify our music to our satisfaction, and we pride ourselves on that. We're starting our own little niche here."

RYAN WATSON - Eye Weekly - http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_02.28.02/music/cmw.html

- Eye Weekly

With a frenetic performance showcasing the band's penchant for heavy grooves and funky acoustic pop, locals Half Full have been stirring things up as a band to see. Having amassed a loyal following in the relatively short time on the scene, Half Full blend a retro 60's blues feel (think Janice...) with head nodding funk that's sure to get you at least dancing in your chair. -

C'est What News - http://www.cestwhat.com/e-news/aug2002.html
- C'est What Toronto