Hal are a band from Killiney, Dublin, Ireland composed of brothers Dave Allen (vocals/guitar) and Paul Allen (vocals/bass), Stephen O'Brien (keyboards, occasional guitars and backing vocals) (drums), who formed in 2003.
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Hal were signed to Rough Trade Records in 2004 following competition between several record label.[1]
Their first single, "Worry About the Wind" was released in 2004.[1] This single was well received by the press, and many claimed that Hal would become 'the' band of 2004. Their self-titled debut album was one of the best reviewed albums of 2005. "What a Lovely Dance" and "Play the Hits" were prominently featured on Match of the Day and World Cup 2004. "Don't Come Running" / "I Sat Down" were released as a double A-side single. The band also released "Keep Love As Your Golden Rule" on a split 7" single with (The Magic Numbers)
They also contributed their cover of John Lennon's "Mind Games" for a Q magazine special CD in October 2005.
The band toured worldwide in 2004 and 2005, enjoying TV and radio coverage as well as performing supporting shows for bands such as Doves and The Thrills.[2] the band went back into the recording studio at the end of 2005. Their second album was originally expected to be released in 2007, but did not in fact appear until five years later.
In August 2010, the band announced that they are working on their next album on their website and Facebook page.[3] On September 10, 2010, the band gave a short interview and performed live on RTÉ Radio 1. According to lead singer Dave Allen, the album will be called "The Time, The Hour", and would be released in April 2011, with a single to be released in November 2010.[4][5] However, as of November 2011 the album has still not materialised and a 2011 release date is looking extremely unlikely, with no public explanation or apology offered by the band. Two singles, 'Close to Her' and 'Be With You' are available.