Paul Claro and the Dark Halls

Paul Claro & The Dark Halls is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Paul Claro. The Brooklyn-bred artist performs Springsteen-influenced tunes with a backing band comprised of members of his family.

Paul received his first guitar at age 11 as a gift from his mother. He became frustrated when he realized he didn't sound like his favorite artists and quit after three lessons. Then one day, he visited his cousin, Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, who taught him a few of his band's riffs and he fell in love all over again.
The group recorded a five-track EP at Slammin' Tracks Studios in Queens, NY. The music is a blend of acoustic/blues with a harder, punk edge.
The album contains the track "Dark Hall," which is the source of the groups name. "The song came to life," Claro explains, "when I was going through a tough time physically, emotionally and mentally. I was fighting my way out of a dark hall."
Claro draws upon many other experiences for influence. "I write about life, love, passion and hate. I put my heart on my sleeve when I write."

Their second CD which contains 8 tracks is called "Padded Room". It's a little more edgier and tends to lend itself more to the Rock/Blues genre. It also has a couple of great ballads; Yesterdays Angel, Saline and So Help Me. The sound and feel of the title track "Padded Room" is a mix of Hard Rock and Blues. One can just hear how the group has grown and progressed in it's abilitles.
Claro assembled two of his closest family members for his band. His nephew Ev Gold plays lead guitar while his 20 year-old son Paul plays the drums. “My son picked up the drums when he was 11 and has yet to put the sticks down. He has been performing with me for quite a few years and is very accomplished for his age." "He is a great bright spot in my life." Says Claro of his nephew Ev, "He is an unbelievable talent. A natural, I’m thankful to have him back in my life. He is an amazing guitarist that knows my music like a book. They are both in a band of their own called Cinema, Cinema. They have an amazing sound and I expect allot of success from them in the future. They deserve it. They are really hard working and committed.
Paul Claro & The Dark Halls are currently writing songs for a new album.