HAL hit the charts in 52 countries worldwide in 1997 when they collaborated with X-Files star Gillian Anderson on the Virgin Records single 'Extremis', which was originally a track on the band's 1996 album 'Gorilla Conspiration'. Extremis subsequently appeared on more than 30 compilation albums worldwide, and the video received heavy airplay thanks in part to a provocative performance from Gillian Anderson.
HAL is an eclectic electronic collective formed in the early 90s by Raheen (Paul Gallagher, RIP 2004), Pádi Stáid, Px (Pascal Derycke) and Savage (Duncan Lomax), who were also active as Black State Choir, North Pacific Drift and Halspirit. They released their debut album Gorilla Conspiration 1995 on PDCD. Most popular track is Extremis which they recorded together with actress Gillian Anderson in 1997 and which has been remixed by various known artists, such as In the Nursery, The
Humble Brothers and Download. In 2004 they released the remix compilation "Extremix".
Active as HAL And The Big 5 (new album "Umoya" released in 2008). Now active as HAL SPIRIT.
HAL create what I'd call an easy listening hybrid of Funky rhythms and a more ethnic ambient sound. It brings to mind a less commercially-inclined MATERIAL or a less focused JAH WOBBLE'S INVADERS... - an easy to listen to music which is fully at ease just 'going on' in the background.
"Cyberia" sounds very similar to something from SCORN's "Evanescence" album - weird yet fascinating rhythms which create an easy going moodiness. While it can be listened to at full volume, which would put it up among the MASSIVE ATTACKs of this world, it probably does better just remaining passively in the background, hinting at a syncopated Dubbiness now and again. They never wanted to be confrontational - just ask them. They deftly sculpt their wallpaper music with the skill of a seasoned artist.
Thoroughly recommended as background music. It throws no punches, and will make no promioses
to change your life. But it is entertaining and endearing, and a worthwhile investment. ~Soft Watch
