Follow TV Tropes

Following

History Music / HalfAlive

Go To

OR

Added: 488

Removed: 98

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* DeathByMusicVideo: In "RUNAWAY", all three bandmembers are revealed to be drafted for WWII, with the implication that they get KilledOffscreen—especially Josh as J Francis Avet.



* {{Retraux}}:
** "still feel." draws heavily upon 70s funk with its bassline, brass features, and fade out; the music video also vaguely evokes the decade through the band's wardrobe and prop choices.
** The music video for "RUNAWAY" takes place in the 60s and the 40s, with the fashion and furniture to match.



** Averted with ''In Florescence'', where he has three backup singers for all four songs recorded.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* ''LIVE FROM CHICAGO'' (2023)


Added DiffLines:

* CoverVersion: They have a few in their repertoire that they play at live shows.
** A mashup of Music/AliciaKeys's "If I Ain't Got You" and Music/EdSheeran's "Thinking Out Loud"
** Music/HallAndOates's "You Make My Dreams Come True"
** Music/PhilCollins's [[SofterAndSlowerCover "Strangers Like Me"]]


Added DiffLines:

* ItsOkayToCry: The message of "BREAKFAST".
* LiveAlbum: ''LIVE FROM CHICAGO'' features four songs from the ''Conditions of a Punk'' tour.

Added: 353

Changed: 195

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* IdiosyncraticAlbumTheming: Releases tend to have a combination of symbols attached to them. For example, ~|• for ''3'', ]\[ for ''Now, Not Yet'', "•" for ''Give Me Your Shoulders'', and † for ''Conditions of a Punk''.

to:

* IdiosyncraticAlbumTheming: Releases tend to have a combination of symbols attached to them. For example,
**
~|• for ''3'', ''3''
**
]\[ for ''Now, Not Yet'', Yet''
**
"•" for ''Give Me Your Shoulders'', and Shoulders''
**
† for ''Conditions of a Punk''. Punk''



** "RUNAWAY" is an upbeat song about accepting who you've become even if it's different from what you planned; however its music video is much more melancholy, depicting a [[DisappearedDad father drafted for WWII and forced to leave his young daughter]], who grows up believing she was unloved. The obvious implication that he dies in battle makes it worse.

to:

** "RUNAWAY" is an upbeat song about accepting who you've become even if it's different from what you planned; however its music video is much more melancholy, depicting a [[DisappearedDad father drafted for WWII UsefulNotes/WorldWarII and [[DisappearedDad forced to leave his young daughter]], who grows up believing she was unloved. The obvious implication that he [[DownerEnding dies in battle battle]] makes it worse.


Added DiffLines:

* WhamShot: In the music video for "RUNAWAY", the cause of tension between J Francis Avet and his young daughter is finally revealed when two soldiers open the front door as he puts on his military uniform [[DownerEnding to fight in WWII]].

Added: 567

Changed: 32

Removed: 134

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* BreakupBonfire: In the music video for "night swims (poem)", Josh burns a banner that reads "Give Me Your Shoulders", showing that the planned second half of the album would never come to fruition. Given the references to an ex and the fact that ''GMYS'' was an album about love, it's implied that its cancellation was spurred by a breakup.



* IdiosyncraticAlbumTheming: Releases tend to have a combination of symbols attached to them. For example, ~|• for ''3'', ]\[ for ''Now, Not Yet'', and "•" for ''Give Me Your Shoulders''.

to:

* IdiosyncraticAlbumTheming: Releases tend to have a combination of symbols attached to them. For example, ~|• for ''3'', ]\[ for ''Now, Not Yet'', and "•" for ''Give Me Your Shoulders''.Shoulders'', and † for ''Conditions of a Punk''.



* MirrorRoutine: One of the bits of choreography for "still feel." involves one of these, first from the front and then from the side.


Added DiffLines:

* MirrorRoutine: One of the bits of choreography for "still feel." involves one of these, first from the front and then from the side.


Added DiffLines:

* OdeToYouth: "TIME 2" is about resetting life by embracing a "simple child state of mind".

Added: 499

Changed: 292

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** In the music video for "Move Me", Josh pulls out a polaroid of himself and his girlfriend from the "Summerland" video. The other side reads "I'll always love you", referencing how she had to end the relationship due to only being in town for the summer.

to:

** In the The music video videos for "Move Me", Me" and "Beige" continue the narrative of the couple in "Summerland". In the former, Josh pulls out reminisces over a polaroid of himself and his girlfriend from them while the latter shows "Summerland" video. The other side reads "I'll always love you", referencing how she had to end footage projected onto the relationship due to only being in town for band while he ruminates over the summer.relationship.


Added DiffLines:

* FreudianCouch: The music video for "Make Of It" centers on a series of counseling sessions, all of which take place on a couch.


Added DiffLines:

* LyricalDissonance: A favorite of the band, as it further demonstrates the tension at the center of much of their music:
** "arrow" is a bright and upbeat song about the difficulties of living in the present when the future seems so pressing.
** Likewise with "Nobody", which discusses the tension between wanting to stand out amongst the crowd and fading into obscurity.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


--> ''So '''e'''xhausted with '''e'''go''
--> ''And '''f'''eelings that '''f'''reeload''
--> ''That leave me so empty''
--> ''All the '''p'''arties of '''p'''eople''
--> ''Moving the needle''

to:

--> ''So -->''So '''e'''xhausted with '''e'''go''
-->
'''e'''go''\\
''And '''f'''eelings that '''f'''reeload''
-->
'''f'''reeload''\\
''That leave me so empty''
-->
empty''\\
''All the '''p'''arties of '''p'''eople''
-->
'''p'''eople''\\
''Moving the needle''



--> ''You deserve to be yourself''
--> ''And maybe that's with someone else''

to:

--> ''You -->''You deserve to be yourself''
--> ''And
yourself\\
And
maybe that's with someone else''

Added: 656

Changed: 430

Removed: 88

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


--> ''Holding back what they can't contain''
--> ''Can you tell me why I feel this way?''



* AnimalMetaphor: In "ok ok?" the concept of destiny is personified as an animal that can threaten and tear a person apart.



* AntiLoveSong: "Everything Machine" sounds like a love song on the surface, but picking apart the lyrics reveals commentary on how society has formed a toxic relationship with smartphones due to their superficial appeal of holding the world in one's hand while [[DevilInDisguise actively causing the downfall of humanity]].

to:

* AntiLoveSong: "Everything Machine" sounds like a "Conditions Of A Punk", wherein Josh bitterly acknowledges that love song on the surface, but picking apart the lyrics reveals commentary on how society has formed a toxic relationship with smartphones due to their superficial appeal of holding the world in one's hand while [[DevilInDisguise actively causing the downfall of humanity]].wasn't what he thought it was.



* IdiosyncraticAlbumTheming: Releases tend to have a combination of symbols attached to them. For example, ~|• for ''3'', ]\[ for ''Now, Not Yet'', and "•" for ''Give Me Your Shoulders''.



* TheQuietOne: Brett. In a Reddit AMA, he explained that his demeanor during interviews is because he can get quite nervous at times.

to:

* TheQuietOne: Brett. In When asked about his demeanor in interviews during a Reddit AMA, he explained that his demeanor during interviews is it's because he can get quite nervous at times.


Added DiffLines:

* SillyLoveSongs: Subverted with "Everything Machine". It sounds like a love song on the surface, but picking apart the lyrics reveals commentary on how society has formed a toxic relationship with smartphones due to their superficial appeal of holding the world in one's hand while [[DevilInDisguise actively causing the downfall of humanity]].

Added: 467

Changed: 727

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* EverythingIsAnInstrument: Played with on more than one occasion.
** In the music video for "arrow", the studio recording is overlaid on top of the video so the original instruments are heard, but Brett and J Tyler use household objects whose movements mimic what they normally play. Brett's drums are done via spoons at the kitchen table, pencils on a TV set, and toothbrushes on the bathroom sink. J Tyler plays synth with a stovetop range and bathroom tiles.

to:

* EverythingIsAnInstrument: Played with on more than one occasion.
**
occasion. In the music video for "arrow", videos, the studio recording is overlaid on top of the video so the original instruments are heard, but Brett and J Tyler use the band uses household objects whose movements mimic what they normally play. play.
** For "arrow",
Brett's drums are done via spoons at the kitchen table, pencils on a TV set, and toothbrushes on the bathroom sink. J Tyler plays synth with a stovetop range and bathroom tiles.



** A brief shot in the video for "Make Of It" shows Brett drumming on his lap with his hands.



** They further reinforced this in a Q&A after the release of "Did I Make You Up?", where they stated that if it was hard to nail them to a genre before, it'll be even harder with the release of ''Conditions Of A Punk'' in late 2022.

to:

** They further reinforced this in a Q&A after the release of "Did I Make You Up?", where they stated that if it was hard to nail them to a genre before, it'll be even harder with the release of ''Conditions Of A Punk'' is filled with tracks in late 2022.the band's signature bright electronic style, but there are also several that verge outside their normal boundaries.
*** "Call Back" is an acoustic coffeehouse-jazz tune sandwiched between "What's Wrong" and "I'll Stop", which are diametrically opposed in sound.
*** The thumping feel of "Bad Thoughts" is reminiscent of club tracks and is immediately followed by the instrumentally minimal "Lost".


Added DiffLines:

** The first lyric of "Brighton" is "[[Film/DirtyDancing no one ever puts baby in a corner]]".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* AnimateBodyParts: The music video for "BREAKFAST" depicts Jordan of JA Collective in a black void wrestling with a wall of disembodied hands.


Added DiffLines:

* SeasonalMotif: Prominent in ''Conditions Of A Punk'', which the band describes as going "from summer to winter and back again". It's seen in the album's TitleTrack, "Summerland", "Back Around", and more, with the tracklist also designed with the intent of following the seasonal cycle.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* AddedAlliterativeAppeal: In "Nobody":
--> ''So '''e'''xhausted with '''e'''go''
--> ''And '''f'''eelings that '''f'''reeload''
--> ''That leave me so empty''
--> ''All the '''p'''arties of '''p'''eople''
--> ''Moving the needle''



* {{Scatting}}: In the chorus of "[=TrusT=]", the refrain of "Conditions Of A Punk'', and the outro of "Call Back".



* StopMotionLighting: Used in the music video for "What's Wrong", where Josh washes his face in a panic while the electricity goes haywire. As he looks at his reflection in the mirror while the lights flicker, facial markings (symbolic of personal flaws/issues) on his and the band's faces appear and [[CuttingBackToReality disappear]], to his shock.

to:

* StopMotionLighting: Used in the music video for "What's Wrong", where Josh washes his face in a panic while the electricity goes haywire. As he looks at his reflection in the mirror while the lights flicker, facial markings [[MarkOfShame (symbolic of personal flaws/issues) flaws/issues)]] on his and the band's faces appear and [[CuttingBackToReality disappear]], to his shock.


Added DiffLines:

* SwappedRoles: The band's usual lineup is Josh on guitar, Brett on drums/percussion, and J Tyler on bass. However, all three are skilled in each others' instruments plus piano, so they're quite flexible in terms of set up from song to song.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


[[AllLowercaseLetters half•alive]] is an American indie-pop band from Long Beach, California that currently consists of three musicians (all multi-instrumentalists in their own right): Josh Taylor (lead vocals, guitar), Brett Kramer (drums), and J Tyler Johnson (bass).

to:

[[AllLowercaseLetters half•alive]] is an American indie-pop band from Long Beach, California that currently consists of [[RockTrio three musicians musicians]] (all multi-instrumentalists in their own right): Josh Taylor (lead vocals, guitar), Brett Kramer (drums), and J Tyler Johnson (bass).


Added DiffLines:

* ExpositoryHairstyleChange: One occurred in the eight months between the release of ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'' and the first single off of ''Conditions Of A Punk''. Josh sports the same short hair that he had for most of the former era, but now bleached blond.


Added DiffLines:

* GodIsLoveSong: Most of ''Conditions Of A Punk'' can apply, as the band describes it as being "in the same breath, about a person and God", but "Move Me" especially exemplifies it.


Added DiffLines:

* HowWeGotHere: The music video for "Summerland" begins with a shot of Josh looking beyond camera lost in thought. It then cuts to a flashback comprised of home video-style clips from the summer depicting the meshing of two friend groups and a couple falling in love, despite knowing the romance is limited to the season. The video ends with Josh dropping his now ex-girlfriend off at the airport, ending with the [[{{Bookends}} exact same shot]].

Added: 927

Changed: 105

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* DarkerAndEdgier: Though both ''Now, Not Yet'' and ''Conditions Of A Punk'' have songs that encapsulate the highs and lows of life, there is a much more bittersweet tinge to the latter (through songs like "High Up" and "Back Around") that discuss feelings like the desire to succumb to death and the pain often required to truly heal. Compared to the perseverance and optimism of the songs in the former such as "still feel." and "ice cold.", it's a stark contrast.

to:

* DarkerAndEdgier: Though both ''Now, Not Yet'' and ''Conditions Of A Punk'' have songs that encapsulate the highs and lows of life, there is a much more bittersweet and melancholy tinge to the latter (through songs like "High Up" and "Back Around") Around" and "Lost") that discuss feelings like the desire to succumb to death and the pain often required to truly heal. Compared to the perseverance and optimism of the songs in the former such as "still feel." and "ice cold.", it's a stark contrast.



* FlashbackEcho: Invoked in the music video for "RUNAWAY" where adult Jessica's actions parallel what happens in the past. She finds her father's ring as he first places it in an envelope and her choreography in the last chorus mimics putting on clothes as her father puts on his uniform before leaving for good.



* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: At the core of "I'll Stop", wherein Josh comes to terms with his failures in a relationship and allows his significant other to find happiness elsewhere.
--> ''You deserve to be yourself''
--> ''And maybe that's with someone else''



* OnASoundstageAllAlong: A double whammy in the music video for "The Fall": when Josh first exits his bedroom and when he "wakes up" during surgery.



* UncommonTime: "Move Me" is in 7/4, with the chorus and bridge switching to 4/4.

to:

* UncommonTime: UncommonTime:
** Most of "Rest" is in 4/4, but there are some truly funky time signatures in the verses, with 7/4, 6/4, and 5/4 all being used at some point.
**
"Move Me" is in 7/4, with the chorus and bridge switching to 4/4.

Added: 632

Changed: 515

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: The band's first EP, ''3'', has a distinctly different sound compared to their subsequent releases. Plus, Josh utilized his lower register more before prominently featuring his falsetto in their music now. They've explained that those first three tracks were an attempt to write vastly different songs to get a feel for what they enjoyed playing.

to:

* DressCodedForYourConvenience: A subtle example in the music video for "ok ok?". To indicate their differences, the band wears clothing that have a large orange dot (e.g., on J Tyler's right shoulder), while JA Collective wears striped clothing (e.g., on Jordan's left sleeve).
* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: The band's first EP, ''3'', has a distinctly different sound compared to their subsequent releases. Plus, Josh utilized his lower register more before prominently featuring his falsetto in their music now.now and sang with a slightly different vocal timbre. They've explained that those first three tracks were an attempt to write vastly different songs to get a feel for what they enjoyed playing.


Added DiffLines:

* LyricalColdOpen: "Maybe", "What's Wrong", "High Up", and "Bad Thoughts".


Added DiffLines:

* TextlessAlbumCover: ''Now, Not Yet''; ''In Florescence'', and ''Give Me Your Shoulders Pt. 1'', which also counts for FaceOnTheCover.

Added: 490

Changed: 178

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


In early 2022 they released the first part of what was intended to be their sophomore album, ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'', with the intention of ''Pt. 2'' releasing later on. However, in September the band announced that ''Pt. 2'' would be cancelled in favor of something bigger. A new single titled "Did I Make You Up?" was released in October and its accompanying music video ended with the formal announcement of their sophomore album, ''Conditions Of A Punk'', in December.

Their lyrics have recurring themes of anxiety and faith, while also being heavily influenced by psychological concepts, specifically citing those of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung. Though the band writes songs with intent of religious themes among others, lyrics are written with more subtlety and ambiguity, leaving interpretation up to the listener.

to:

In early 2022 they released the first part of what was intended to be their sophomore album, ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'', with the intention of ''Pt. 2'' releasing later on. However, in September the band announced that ''Pt. 2'' would be cancelled in favor of something bigger. A new single titled "Did I Make You Up?" was released in October and its accompanying music video ended with the formal announcement of their sophomore album, ''Conditions Of A Punk'', which was released in December.

Their lyrics have recurring themes of anxiety tension, anxiety, and faith, while also being heavily influenced by psychological concepts, specifically citing those of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung. Though the band writes songs with intent of religious themes among others, lyrics are written with more subtlety and ambiguity, leaving interpretation up to the listener.



* AnimatedMusicVideo: A majority of the video for "Nobody" was animated using mixed-media artwork.



** "ok ok?", which opens ''Now, Not Yet'', begins with heavy guitars, but quickly shifts into something much more mellow. They are never heard again.

to:

** "ok ok?", which opens ''Now, Not Yet'', begins with heavy guitars, but quickly shifts into something much more mellow. They are never heard again.again for the remainder of the album.



** "RUNAWAY": In 1940, J Francis Avet (played by Josh) is drafted for World War II. Knowing he might not return, he writes letters for his 6-year-old daughter Jessica for her to open on each birthday. Growing up believing that her father never loved her, Jess never read a single one until 1960.

to:

** "RUNAWAY": In 1940, J Francis Avet (played by Josh) is drafted for World War II. Knowing he might not return, he writes letters for his 6-year-old daughter Jessica for her to open on each birthday. Growing Due to his [[DisappearedDad unexplained disappearance]], she grows up believing that her father never loved her, Jess never read she was unloved and chooses not to open a single one until 1960.


Added DiffLines:

* ContinuityNod:
** In the music video for "Move Me", Josh pulls out a polaroid of himself and his girlfriend from the "Summerland" video. The other side reads "I'll always love you", referencing how she had to end the relationship due to only being in town for the summer.
** Beginning with "Did I Make You Up?", the music videos for ''Conditions Of A Punk'' all include Josh's station wagon.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** AlbumTitleDrop: In [="TrusT"=] for ''Now, Not Yet''.

to:

** * AlbumTitleDrop: In [="TrusT"=] for ''Now, Not Yet''.

Added: 1260

Changed: 151

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** AlbumTitleDrop: In [="TrusT"=] for ''Now, Not Yet''.
--> ''I see the walls that are torn and bent''
--> ''The tug of war in the now, not yet''
--> ''Holding back what they can't contain''
--> ''Can you tell me why I feel this way?''



* BaitAndSwitch: "ok ok?", which opens the album, begins with heavy guitars, but quickly shifts into something much more mellow. They are never heard again.

to:

* BaitAndSwitch: BaitAndSwitch:
**
"ok ok?", which opens the album, ''Now, Not Yet'', begins with heavy guitars, but quickly shifts into something much more mellow. They are never heard again.again.
** The opposite occurs in [[TitleTrack "Conditions Of A Punk"]], which begins with soft vocals and guitar but transitions hard into its loud and callous refrain.



** "Conditions Of A Punk" begins and ends with StudioChatter.



* ImportantHaircut: In anticipation for the release of "Summerland" and its accompanying "era", the band released a teaser of Josh receiving a haircut from his significant other in the music video where she shaves his head. Considering the fact that he was somewhat known for his long locks, it's quite the change.

to:

* ImportantHaircut: In anticipation for the release of "Summerland" and its accompanying "era", the band released a teaser of Josh receiving a haircut from his significant other in the music video where she shaves his head. Considering the fact that he was somewhat known for his long locks, locks at the time, it's quite the change.


Added DiffLines:

* MoodDissonance:
** "RUNAWAY" is an upbeat song about accepting who you've become even if it's different from what you planned; however its music video is much more melancholy, depicting a [[DisappearedDad father drafted for WWII and forced to leave his young daughter]], who grows up believing she was unloved. The obvious implication that he dies in battle makes it worse.
** "High Up" sings of the euphoric feeling that love brings—evoking the image of blue skies—but its music video shows the exact opposite, clouds and pouring rain. Josh sings the lyrics "Blue skies are all I see when/Your eyes are locked on me", but looks to be on the verge of tears.

Added: 983

Changed: 38

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* DarkerAndEdgier: Though both ''Now, Not Yet'' and ''Conditions Of A Punk'' have songs that encapsulate the highs and lows of life, there is a much more bittersweet tinge to the latter (through songs like "High Up" and "Back Around") that discuss feelings like the desire to succumb to death and the pain often required to truly heal. Compared to the perseverance and optimism of the songs in the former such as "still feel." and "ice cold.", it's a stark contrast.



* FadeOut: How "still feel." ends; the band explicitly wrote the track in a way that was unplayable for radio by choosing to end with one, but this ends up backfiring spectacularly due to its popularity.



* ImportantHaircut: In anticipation for the release of "Summerland" and its accompanying "era", the band released a teaser of Josh receiving a haircut from his significant other in the music video where she shaves his head. Considering the fact that he was somewhat known for his long locks, it's quite the change.



* TheQuietOne: Brett. In a Reddit AMA, he explained that his demeanor during interviews is because he can get quite nervous at times. He's also just a stoic guy in general.

to:

* TheQuietOne: Brett. In a Reddit AMA, he explained that his demeanor during interviews is because he can get quite nervous at times. He's also just a stoic guy in general.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* BaitAndSwitch: "ok ok?", which opens the album, begins with heavy guitars, but quickly shifts into something much more mellow. They are never heard again.


Added DiffLines:

** "ok ok?": Two groups (the band and JA Collective) explore the woods and come into contact, but are separated by an invisible barrier.


Added DiffLines:

* NonAppearingTitle: "BREAKFAST" and "Brighton".


Added DiffLines:

* SurrealMusicVideo: "TIME 2" ticks all the boxes.


Added DiffLines:

* TitleTrack: "Conditions Of A Punk", though the exact lyric is actually "Conditions of j-j-just a punk".
* UncommonTime: "Move Me" is in 7/4, with the chorus and bridge switching to 4/4.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* CreditsGag: The credits for the music video for "What's Wrong" has several messages in Wingdings and Webdings. Some are just the credits translated (e.g. director, producer), while the rest foreshadow future tracks, such as the following:
--> ''Super excited about our new song It's called summerland''
--> ''there's another one called move me we wrote that one today''
--> ''the chorus is "i want you to move me" over and over again''

to:

* CreditsGag: The credits for the music video for "What's Wrong" has several messages in Wingdings and Webdings. Some are just the credits translated (e.g. , director, producer), while the rest foreshadow future tracks, such as the following:
--> ''Super -->''Super excited about our new song It's called summerland''
-->
summerland''\\
''there's another one called move me we wrote that one today''
-->
today''\\
''the chorus is "i want you to move me" over and over again''



--> '''Aidan Carberry:''' I learned what a flautist is today. You would think it's [[{{Malaproper}} some kind of whale]].

to:

--> '''Aidan -->'''Aidan Carberry:''' I learned what a flautist is today. You would think it's [[{{Malaproper}} some kind of whale]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* ConceptVideo: Almost certainly a staple of the band at this point.
** "The Fall": Josh goes through TheHerosJourney in a deconstructed form.
** "arrow": Josh struggles to live in the present, his eyes always drawn to "the rest of [his] life", which is symbolically represented by things we often find ourselves mindlessly staring at (namely a fridge and a TV set).
** "RUNAWAY": In 1940, J Francis Avet (played by Josh) is drafted for World War II. Knowing he might not return, he writes letters for his 6-year-old daughter Jessica for her to open on each birthday. Growing up believing that her father never loved her, Jess never read a single one until 1960.
** "What's Wrong": The crappy apartment the band is in is heavily flawed. Josh's denial turns it into a fluorescent dreamscape, but as things further fall apart, he realizes that change must begin inward in order to direct it outward.
** "Summerland": A couple cherishes their limited summer romance and the meshing of their separate friend groups.
** "Make Of It": J Tyler and Brett among others engage in counseling with a therapist, played by Josh. All are both [[SymbolicSereneSubmersion figuratively and literally drowning]] in their struggles and as he sees more clients, Josh slowly gets more and more soaked.


Added DiffLines:

* CreditsGag: The credits for the music video for "What's Wrong" has several messages in Wingdings and Webdings. Some are just the credits translated (e.g. director, producer), while the rest foreshadow future tracks, such as the following:
--> ''Super excited about our new song It's called summerland''
--> ''there's another one called move me we wrote that one today''
--> ''the chorus is "i want you to move me" over and over again''


Added DiffLines:

* TheQuietOne: Brett. In a Reddit AMA, he explained that his demeanor during interviews is because he can get quite nervous at times. He's also just a stoic guy in general.
* RearrangeTheSong: The bridge of "BREAKFAST" reuses the hook from "Pure Gold".


Added DiffLines:

* TenorBoy: Josh is a prime example with his strong falsetto.

Added: 1722

Changed: 177

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* {{Bookends}}: The music video for "What's Wrong" begins and ends with Josh performing the same choreography, forwards and reversed respectively.

to:

* {{Bookends}}: {{Bookends}}:
**
The music video for "What's Wrong" begins and ends with Josh performing the same choreography, forwards and reversed respectively.respectively.
** The music video for "The Fall" begins and ends with Josh sitting on the bed in his room.



* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: The band's first EP, ''3'', has a distinctly different sound compared to their subsequent releases. Plus, Josh utilized his lower register more before prominently featuring his falsetto in their music now. They've explained that those first three tracks were an attempt to write vastly different songs to get a feel for what they enjoyed playing.
* EverythingIsAnInstrument: Played with on more than one occasion.
** In the music video for "arrow", the studio recording is overlaid on top of the video so the original instruments are heard, but Brett and J Tyler use household objects whose movements mimic what they normally play. Brett's drums are done via spoons at the kitchen table, pencils on a TV set, and toothbrushes on the bathroom sink. J Tyler plays synth with a stovetop range and bathroom tiles.
** Done so in a more visually abstract way for "TIME 2". During the final chorus, Brett is shown painting a palette with a brush (evocative of a drumstick) and J Tyler is using a typewriter (reminiscent of a keyboard).



* {{Rockumentary}}: A short documentary was made that depicts the recording of ''In Florescence'', an EP of selected songs from ''Now, Not Yet'' that were rearranged for an orchestra. It features the recorded performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and [[TalkingHeads short interviews with various individuals involved]].
--> '''Aidan Carberry:''' I learned what a flautist is today. You would think it's [[{{Malaproper}} some kind of whale]].



* StopMotionLighting: Used in the music video for "What's Wrong", where Josh washes his face in a panic while the electricity goes haywire. As the lights flicker, facial markings (symbolic of personal flaws/issues) on his and the band's faces appear and [[CuttingBackToReality disappear]], to his shock.

to:

* StopMotionLighting: Used in the music video for "What's Wrong", where Josh washes his face in a panic while the electricity goes haywire. As he looks at his reflection in the mirror while the lights flicker, facial markings (symbolic of personal flaws/issues) on his and the band's faces appear and [[CuttingBackToReality disappear]], to his shock.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


--> ''But I find that everything I am is everything I should be''
--> ''Yeah, I don't need to run away''

to:

--> ''But -->''But I find that everything I am is everything I should be''
-->
be''\\
''Yeah, I don't need to run away''

Added: 147

Changed: 102

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
better picture with all faces visible


[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/half_alive_photo_by_sergio_necoechea.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:L to R: J Tyler Johnson, Josh Taylor, Brett Kramer]]

to:

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/half_alive_photo_by_sergio_necoechea.jpg]]
org/pmwiki/pub/images/half_alive_ticketmaster_ram_8.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:L to R: J Tyler Johnson, Josh Taylor, Brett Kramer]]



+ Music/SufjanStevens, Music/ChanceTheRapper, Christine and the Queens, Music/TylerTheCreator, Music/TwentyOnePilots

to:

+ Music/SufjanStevens, Music/ChanceTheRapper, Christine and the Queens, Music/ChristineAndTheQueens, Music/TylerTheCreator, Music/TwentyOnePilots



In early 2022 they released the first part of their sophomore album, ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'', with the intention of ''Pt. 2'' releasing later on. However, in September the band announced that Part 2 would be cancelled in favor of something bigger. A new single titled "Did I Make You Up?" was released in October and its accompanying music video ended with the formal announcement of their next album, ''Conditions Of A Punk'', in December.

Their lyrics have recurring themes of anxiety and religion, while also being heavily influenced by psychological concepts, specifically citing those of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung. Though the band writes songs with intent of religious themes among others, lyrics are written with more subtlety and ambiguity, leaving interpretation up to the listener.

to:

In early 2022 they released the first part of what was intended to be their sophomore album, ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'', with the intention of ''Pt. 2'' releasing later on. However, in September the band announced that Part 2 ''Pt. 2'' would be cancelled in favor of something bigger. A new single titled "Did I Make You Up?" was released in October and its accompanying music video ended with the formal announcement of their next sophomore album, ''Conditions Of A Punk'', in December.

Their lyrics have recurring themes of anxiety and religion, faith, while also being heavily influenced by psychological concepts, specifically citing those of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung. Though the band writes songs with intent of religious themes among others, lyrics are written with more subtlety and ambiguity, leaving interpretation up to the listener.



* BeYourself: The main message of "RUNAWAY".
--> ''But I find that everything I am is everything I should be''
--> ''Yeah, I don't need to run away''



** They further reinforced this in a Q&A after the release of "Did I Make You Up?", where they stated that if it was hard to nail them to a genre before, it'll be even harder with the release of ''Conditions Of A Punk" in late 2022.

to:

** They further reinforced this in a Q&A after the release of "Did I Make You Up?", where they stated that if it was hard to nail them to a genre before, it'll be even harder with the release of ''Conditions Of A Punk" Punk'' in late 2022.

Added: 1229

Changed: 495

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* AllCaps: "BREAKFAST" and "RUNAWAY" from ''Now, Not Yet''.

to:

* AllCaps: "BREAKFAST" and "RUNAWAY" from ''Now, Not Yet''.Yet'' and "TIME 2".



* MirrorRoutine: One of the bits of choreography for "Still Feel" involves one of these, first from the front and then from the side.
* TheOner: The video for "Still Feel" is ostensibly this, but upon further inspection, some hidden cuts can be seen, which account for the occasional OffscreenTeleportation.

to:

* HorribleHousing: The setting of the music video for "What's Wrong"; the various problems in the dingy apartment pile up and come to a head in the bridge as the electricity goes haywire.
* MirrorRoutine: One of the bits of choreography for "Still Feel" "still feel." involves one of these, first from the front and then from the side.
* TheOner: The video for "Still Feel" "still feel." is ostensibly this, but upon further inspection, some hidden cuts can be seen, which account for the occasional OffscreenTeleportation.



* ShoutOut: In the video for "Arrow", Brett briefly dresses up as [[Film/{{Rushmore}} Max Fischer]].

to:

* ShoutOut: ShoutOut:
**
In the video for "Arrow", "arrow", Brett briefly dresses up as [[Film/{{Rushmore}} Max Fischer]].Fischer]].
** Josh cites Creator/WesAnderson as an inspiration for the set design and cinematography of the music video for "arrow", seen through the saturated colors of each scene and the flat camera angles.
* StopMotionLighting: Used in the music video for "What's Wrong", where Josh washes his face in a panic while the electricity goes haywire. As the lights flicker, facial markings (symbolic of personal flaws/issues) on his and the band's faces appear and [[CuttingBackToReality disappear]], to his shock.
* SymbolicSereneSubmersion: Water is featured prominently in the music video for "Make Of It", symbolic of the pain that we can often drown in. All of Josh's therapy clients find themselves floating in a pool; as he sees more patients, he slowly becomes drenched as well.
* TheWallsAreClosingIn: Invoked in the music video for "RUNAWAY" as a grown Jessica Avet decides to read the letters her father had written her before being drafted for WWII twenty years prior.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* AllLowercaseLetters: The band stylizes their name this way. ''Now, Not Yet'' also has several tracks in this style, such as ''still feel.'' and "creature".

to:

* AllLowercaseLetters: The band stylizes their name this way. ''Now, Not Yet'' also has several tracks in this style, such as ''still "still feel.'' " and "creature".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* AllLowercaseLetters: The band stylizes their name this way. ''Now, Not Yet'' also has several tracks in this style, such as ''still feel.' and "creature".

to:

* AllLowercaseLetters: The band stylizes their name this way. ''Now, Not Yet'' also has several tracks in this style, such as ''still feel.' '' and "creature".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* ConsultingMrPuppet: In the music video for "Make Of It", J Tyler is never seen without a bunny puppet and actively uses it in his therapy session with Josh. Behind the scenes footage shows that he was even directed to have the bunny "say something brave" and react to it.

to:

* ConsultingMrPuppet: ConsultingMisterPuppet: In the music video for "Make Of It", J Tyler is never seen without a bunny puppet and actively uses it in his therapy session with Josh. Behind the scenes footage shows that he was even directed to have the bunny "say something brave" and react to it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* MirrorRoutine: One of the bits of choreography for "Still Feel" involves one of these, first from the front and then from the side.
* TheOner: The video for "Still Feel" is ostensibly this, but upon further inspection, some hidden cuts can be seen, which account for the occasional OffscreenTeleportation.

Added: 100

Changed: 4

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
holy cow what are the odds of me randomly searching for and finding this page two days after it was created?


!! Discography
!!! '''Studio albums'''

to:

!! Discography
!!! '''Studio
!!Discography
!!!'''Studio
albums'''



!!! '''[=EP=]s'''

to:

!!! '''[=EP=]s'''!!!'''[=EP=]s'''



--> '''Bunny:''' Birds are people too.

to:

--> '''Bunny:''' -->'''Bunny:''' Birds are people too.


Added DiffLines:

* ShoutOut: In the video for "Arrow", Brett briefly dresses up as [[Film/{{Rushmore}} Max Fischer]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/half_alive_photo_by_sergio_necoechea.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:L to R: J Tyler Johnson, Josh Taylor, Brett Kramer]]

[floatboxright:Influences:
+ Music/SufjanStevens, Music/ChanceTheRapper, Christine and the Queens, Music/TylerTheCreator, Music/TwentyOnePilots
]

[[AllLowercaseLetters half•alive]] is an American indie-pop band from Long Beach, California that currently consists of three musicians (all multi-instrumentalists in their own right): Josh Taylor (lead vocals, guitar), Brett Kramer (drums), and J Tyler Johnson (bass).

Formed in 2016 originally as a duo consisting of Taylor and Kramer, many of the band's early tracks were the results of a 50 Song Challenge undertaken by the former in order to improve his songwriting. They released their debut EP, ''3'', in 2017; soon after Johnson joined the duo as bassist. The band first rose to prominence in 2018 after the music video for their single "still feel." went viral on Youtube due to its unique cinematography and choreography performed by Taylor and JA Collective. The track garnered positive reviews from publications and its success led to a record contract with RCA. Their debut album titled ''Now, Not Yet'' was released in August of 2019.

In early 2022 they released the first part of their sophomore album, ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'', with the intention of ''Pt. 2'' releasing later on. However, in September the band announced that Part 2 would be cancelled in favor of something bigger. A new single titled "Did I Make You Up?" was released in October and its accompanying music video ended with the formal announcement of their next album, ''Conditions Of A Punk'', in December.

Their lyrics have recurring themes of anxiety and religion, while also being heavily influenced by psychological concepts, specifically citing those of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung. Though the band writes songs with intent of religious themes among others, lyrics are written with more subtlety and ambiguity, leaving interpretation up to the listener.

----
!! Discography
!!! '''Studio albums'''
* ''Now, Not Yet'' (2019)
* ''Conditions Of A Punk'' (2022)
!!! '''[=EP=]s'''
* ''3'' (2017)
* ''*7'' (2019)
* ''In Florescence'' (2020)
* ''Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1'' (2022)
----
!!When it is tropeless I start to notice:
* AbortedArc: ''Give Me Your Shoulders Pt. 1'' was released in early 2022 with the intent of finishing the two-part record later in the year. However, in September the band announced that ''Pt. 2'' would be cancelled in favor of "something beyond it".
* AllCaps: "BREAKFAST" and "RUNAWAY" from ''Now, Not Yet''.
* AllLowercaseLetters: The band stylizes their name this way. ''Now, Not Yet'' also has several tracks in this style, such as ''still feel.' and "creature".
* AntiLoveSong: "Everything Machine" sounds like a love song on the surface, but picking apart the lyrics reveals commentary on how society has formed a toxic relationship with smartphones due to their superficial appeal of holding the world in one's hand while [[DevilInDisguise actively causing the downfall of humanity]].
* {{Bookends}}: The music video for "What's Wrong" begins and ends with Josh performing the same choreography, forwards and reversed respectively.
* ConsultingMrPuppet: In the music video for "Make Of It", J Tyler is never seen without a bunny puppet and actively uses it in his therapy session with Josh. Behind the scenes footage shows that he was even directed to have the bunny "say something brave" and react to it.
--> '''Bunny:''' Birds are people too.
* GenreRoulette: The band is pretty fluid in terms of genre; it's hard to pin them down since they draw from such a wide range of influences ranging from jazz to trap.
** It's especially exemplified in the version of "RUNAWAY" recorded for ''In Florescence'', which dramatically shifts from indie-pop to jazz in the chorus.
** They further reinforced this in a Q&A after the release of "Did I Make You Up?", where they stated that if it was hard to nail them to a genre before, it'll be even harder with the release of ''Conditions Of A Punk" in late 2022.
* RereleaseTheSong: Following the cancellation of ''Give Me Your Shoulders Pt. 2'' and the announcement of ''Conditions Of A Punk'', it was revealed that all songs from ''Pt. 1'' would be included in the latter, implying that it is a reimagining of what the full ''GMYS'' album would have been.
* SelfBackingVocalist: In many studio versions of songs, Josh provides his own backing vocals. However for live acoustic performances, J Tyler and Brett provide them.
** Averted with ''In Florescence'', where he has three backup singers for all four songs recorded.
----

Top