Halfloves: Iowa City's sonic trailblazers and their genre-bending journey

The sound of Iowa City might feel a bit like Radiohead. At least that's what popular music critic and internet personality Anthony Fantano said of local band, Halfloves and their 2019 track, "A Little Lie."

"He was a little critical of it, but in a very reasonable and fair way," said Halfloves guitarist and lead vocalist, Jeff Roalson. "This song is our most Radiohead song for sure; not all our music sounds like this."

Halfloves has been gigging around Iowa City and the Midwest since 2016. Each band member relies on a unique background − from classical and jazz to hardcore and indie − creating a diverse and dynamic sound that resonates with audiences.

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Five-piece band transitioning into new era

The five-piece band, comprised of Roalson, Trevor Polk, Zach Ziemer, Nate Cooper, and Lucas Adolphson, embraces a new era. They've found a groove by experimenting with their sound and song structure.

"We've been writing a wide variety of stuff, exploring more," said Zeimer, who plays the drums. "I feel like I killed a lot of my ideas pretty prematurely just because I thought it has to be really good right away or it has to fit into a little bit narrower box. But now, we are casting a wider net, and if it feels good to pursue a concept rather than trying to like, analyze it to death."

The Halfloves sound can best be described as moody. They combine catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and rousing choruses to provide listeners with a sense of déjà vu or a jolt of nostalgic false memory.

The band anticipates an album release later this year, eager to share its new sound with passionate fans.

"To other people, it will probably still sound like Halfloves," Polk said. "For it is about being more open, obviously not throwing everything in the kitchen sink at audiences, but I definitely think we're open to the genre-bending."

Rocking the stage

Halfloves made their second Englert Theatre appearance during February's Local Showcase. The band also graced the historic stage in 2016 after the release of their first full-length studio album. The experience created opportunities for the band to travel and perform in cities across the Midwest. They even opened for Peter, Bjorn, and John later that year.

Despite several years on the road performing in front of various crowds, making music remains the band's most important goal.

"We realize that getting a huge show isn't the thing that makes or breaks us," Ziemer said. "The ability to create something is the driving force in my mind that pushes us forward."

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At the doorstep of creativity

As Halfloves gear up for their next phase, they find themselves immersed in a creative journey, figuring out what transcends boundaries and genres.

They also enjoy reaching existing and new fans across Iowa City.

"It's less about trying to rack up musical trophies or something and more about doing something that I love with these guys," Roalson said. "If people like it, then that's a bonus. When we focus on the music itself, that's when we are at our best. And that's a joy to us and the goal."

Halfloves will perform at Gabe's along with local musicians Jim Swim and Lou Sherry at 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. Tickets are on sale for $12.

More Halfloves:

Instagram: @halflovesband

Spotify: Halfloves

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City's Halfloves band is redefining its sound with new album