Canadian multi-instrumentalist Kyle Halldorson reinvents himself with the release of his debut album under the moniker dr.rift
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This self-titled album is not just a collection of songs but a raw tapestry of emotional authenticity woven through the vast landscapes of psychedelic rock, indie, and progressive music. Emerging from intense personal loss—the death of his father and musical muse, Owen Halldorson—this album stands as a testament to the healing power of music.
“Losing my dad just days before we were set to record the album shifted everything,” Halldorson reflects. “I was paralyzed at first, but finishing this record became my way through. It became the thing I clung to—my way to grieve, to remember, to feel alive again.”
In the quiet isolation at the beginning of 2020’s lockdowns, dr.rift was conceived. With only his phone and an endless stream of creative impulses, Halldorson’s process started with beat-boxed rhythms and wordless tunes, which he exchanged with Edward Oakes. The former bandmates shaped these early sketches into robust, live drum tracks. These pieces were then meticulously crafted into full-band compositions, showcasing Halldorson’s skillful artistry.
What materialized is a compelling and kaleidoscopic adventure, characterized by rhythmic complexities and expansive melodies. dr.rift invites listeners to traverse a rich soundscape reminiscent of the genre-defying work of Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, and Fleet Foxes—celebrating a fluidity that welcomes fans of art rock to revel in its emotional complexity.
Cory Hanson of L.A.’s Wand masterfully mixed the record, while Riley J. Hill added the definitive touches through his mastering expertise. Hanson comments, “In places, it reminded me of something a more introspective Zappa would write … each song morphs and shifts—sugary pop here, rhythmic wah grooves there. It really flows in a lot of different directions.”
Live, dr.rift transforms into a dynamic and compelling force. Alongside friends Tanner Stregger, Kyle Fox, Aaron Bacon, and Tirian Plett, Halldorson stands front and center, both as an artist and a son paying homage—with a night-blue blazer and bolo tie containing his father’s ashes.
The debut album symbolizes much more than innovative soundscapes—it’s a poignant tribute and emotional catharsis where music becomes medicine. It encapsulates resilience and creativity emerging from profound personal loss, crafting beauty and legacy in its wake. As Halldorson steps into this new phase, dr.rift is not just an album; it’s a journey—a deeply personal one that promises to resonate with all who venture into its layered sonic world.
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