The band reformed as Stripmall Architecture in late 2008. Their discography includes: "We Only Love You" (debut LP, 1998), "Sans Soucie" (b-sides, rare and unreleased tracks, 1999), "Wiser" (2nd LP, 2001), "Threesongs" (EP, 2001), "Oceanwide" (single/maxi-single, 2001), "The Wholeness EP" (2003), "Sans Soucie (Edition Two)" (CD Baby re-issue with extra tracks, 2004), "The Separation EP" (2006), "Wholeness & Separation" (3rd LP, 2006), "Albatross EP" (iTunes-exclusive EP, 2006), "Sawtooth EP" (limited to digital downloads, 2008), "Halou" (4th LP, 2008). ("Beneath Trembling Lanterns" (2006) is credited to Halou side-project R/R Coseboom)
Rebecca and Ryan debuted in a band called Anymore. Inspired more by dreampop bands like Cocteau Twins and less by trip-hop, the band had released only two albums: "Thistlestar E.P." (1996) and "Umani" (1997). Minus Alex Ionov, the members of the band decided to start another project entitled Halou that would have more elements of downtempo electronica.
Halou's debut album, We Only Love You [W.O.L.Y.], was released in 1998 on a small independent label called Bedazzled. Featuring Rebecca's powerfully honest vocals, the album meandered irreverently through abstract beats and sumptuously languid electronic pop music. W.O.L.Y. received overwhelming praise, was spun by highly influential indie radio stations, and was reviewed by virtually every noteworthy electronic music magazine.
After W.O.L.Y., the band decided to release on Bedazzled "Sans Soucie", a CD combining tracks from "Umani", remixes, rare and unreleased tracks. Limited to 300 hand-numbered copies, the original pressing of the album was very sought after, as Bedazzled got bankrupt not long after the release of "Sans Soucie". Until the 2004 re-issue on CD Baby, Halou themselves have re-released "Sans Soucie" - a CDr reissue that was only available via Halou website. The release is widely regarded as "Sans Soucie (Edition Two)", although this name only appears on the back cover and although it was also known on the Internet as "Newhalou". Still, "Sans Soucie (Edition Two)" is most often used for the 2004 re-issue.
Halou continued to craft their unique sound on their second release, 'Wiser'. Wiser further defined Halou's sound - both crushing and delicate, electronic and organic, intense and soothing. While still embracing electronics, the addition of live cello, acoustic double bass, and drums further explored the juxtaposition of organic and electronic. Released on Nettwerk Records in October 2001, 'Wiser' was entirely self-produced by Ryan and engineer, co-producer Count.
After "Wiser", the members of Halou have also done remixes and producing for artists such as Rod Stewart, Radiohead, Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, the Velvet Underground's John Cale, Lyrics Born, RUN DMC, New Order, No Doubt and others. Also, Rebecca and Ryan worked on several side-projects: R/R Coseboom, Invisible Ballet, The Science Teacher.
In 2004, the band re-released on CD Baby W.O.L.Y. under the name "We Only Love You (Edition Two)" and Sans Soucie under the name "Sans Soucie (Edition Two)", initially used for the first CDr reissue of Sans Soucie. This edition of "Sans Soucie" also contains two extra tracks that weren't initially on "Sans Soucie". Like the first re-issue for "Sans Soucie", the two CD Baby reissues are available, along digital downloads, as CDr discs.
In anticipation of their 3rd LP, Halou have released "The Wholeness EP" in 2003 and also worked on "The Separation EP". Most of the songs that were created in these sessions ended up on their 3rd LP, "Wholeness & Separation". Released in 2006 on Vertebrae, the album received more commercial acclaim than their previous albums. With exquisite packaging screen-printed onto unique Arigato Pak (ecological version of digipak), "The Separation EP" was released in the same day with "Wholeness & Separation" and features few exclusive tracks as well as 2 b-sides from the single "Stonefruit".
In November 2006, Halou surprised the fans with "Albatross EP". Containing few tracks from the "Wholeness & Separation" sessions that weren't released before, the EP is the first Halou release limited to digital downloads, specifically exclusive to iTunes Music Store. Well-received by Halou fans, the EP is widely regarded as iTunes-exclusive, although a limited number of hard-copy "Albatross" CDs were available during a Microsoft Zune-sponsored show at El Corazon in Seattle on January 13, 2007.
Containing 5 new songs and a reinterpretation of "Hollywood Evening" (a song that was initially released on the R/R Coseboom side-project release "Beneath Trembling "Lanterns"), "Sawtooth EP" (initially entitled "We Wear Strings EP") is the second Halou release to be available only as digital downloads (this time not limited to iTunes Music Store) and has been released on February 12, 2008.
In August 2008 a new album, entitled simply "Halou", was released. The style of the new album resembles the style on their first material released as Anymore in.
Late in 2008, Halou changed their name to Stripmall Architecture.
Today
Halou Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Today I am connected
Today I am a part of something more
As if every cell were singing
Still, I can't embrace it
Every silver lining has a cloud
But not so far
Waiting for the axe to fall
And it will happen
This I know
Just not so far
Today I feel like dancing
I never fell like dancing
It's like even the weather suits my mood
My entire soul is ringing
Still, I can't accept it
I keep looking for the thing to bring me down
Though I can't explain my reasons to you
I think we are the same
The lyrics to Halou’s “Today” are about the complex mix of emotions that one can feel when they are happy and content, but still waiting for something to go wrong. The singer feels surrounded and connected to a larger entity, but cannot embrace the feeling because they are waiting for something to go wrong. The line “Every silver lining has a cloud” sums up the sentiment of the song beautifully, portraying the idea that even in the best of moments, there is something to worry about.
The singer’s inclination towards pessimism is further shown in the line “Waiting for the shoe to drop, waiting for the axe to fall”, where they are waiting for something bad to happen. However, there is also an element of hope in the song, as the last line states “Just not so far”. This line implies that something bad will happen, but not imminently. The singer acknowledges that while they can’t fully explain their feelings, they feel connected to someone who might understand.
Overall, “Today” is a song that explores the complexities of happiness and contentment while waiting for the other shoe to drop. Through the lyrics, the singer expresses their feelings about embracing happiness while still acknowledging that something bad may happen.
Line by Line Meaning
Today I feel surrounded
I am feeling overwhelmed by my surroundings today.
Today I am connected
I feel like I am part of something bigger than myself on this day.
Today I am a part of something more
I am feeling a sense of belonging to a greater community today.
As if every cell were singing
I feel a strong sense of vitality and energy coursing through my body today.
Still, I can't embrace it
Despite my positive feelings, I am unable to fully accept them and let them in.
Every silver lining has a cloud
I am wary of getting too excited about anything today because I know there is always a risk of something going wrong.
But not so far
Despite my worries, nothing has gone wrong yet today.
I keep waiting for the shoe to drop
I am nervous that something bad will happen soon.
Waiting for the axe to fall
I am anticipating a negative event that will undo my positive experiences today.
And it will happen
I know that something bad is bound to occur today.
This I know
I am certain that my premonitions will come true.
Just not so far
Though it hasn't happened yet, I am keeping my guard up just in case.
Today I feel like dancing
Despite my apprehensions, I am feeling joyous and energetic today, and want to celebrate through dancing.
I never fell like dancing
Normally I don't feel like celebrating, so this is a unique experience for me.
It's like even the weather suits my mood
The pleasant weather today seems to match my positive emotional state.
My entire soul is ringing
I feel a sense of contentment and fulfillment down to my very core today.
Still, I can't accept it
Despite feeling so good, I still can't fully embrace my joy and positive experiences today.
I keep looking for the thing to bring me down
Because of my anxiety, I am always on the lookout for something negative that might ruin my positive day.
Though I can't explain my reasons to you
I don't really understand why I feel the way I do today, and can't articulate it to others.
I think we are the same
Despite my worries, I believe that others can relate to my experience and emotions today.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rebecca Coseboom, Ryan Lee Coseboom
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
skedos44
Today I feel surrounded
Today I am connected
Today I am a part of something more
As if every cell were singing
Still, I can't embrace it
Every silver lining has a cloud
But not so far
I keep waiting for the shoe to drop
Waiting for the axe to fall
And it will happen
This I know
Just not so far
Today I feel like dancing
I never fell like dancing
It's like even the weather suits my mood
My entire soul is ringing
Still, I can't accept it
I keep looking for the thing to bring me down
Though I can't explain my reasons to you
I think we are the same
skedos44
Today I feel surrounded
Today I am connected
Today I am a part of something more
As if every cell were singing
Still, I can't embrace it
Every silver lining has a cloud
But not so far
I keep waiting for the shoe to drop
Waiting for the axe to fall
And it will happen
This I know
Just not so far
Today I feel like dancing
I never fell like dancing
It's like even the weather suits my mood
My entire soul is ringing
Still, I can't accept it
I keep looking for the thing to bring me down
Though I can't explain my reasons to you
I think we are the same
Sactorno
I love you for this
skedos44
@Sactorno AND I LOVE YOU FOR BRINGING ME BACK TO THIS SONG. I forgott to put this in my playlist and forgot this song existed :'>)
Sactorno
@skedos44 lmaooo😂 no problem
adg
I would have never known about this gem of a band if it weren't for anime.
•Reiji☭
exacto amigo
overkill2overdrive
+Chemyst which anime was this in?
SilverDemon
+sentralorigin A lot of amvs use this band. It's how I discovered them as well.
G. Zero Airsoft.
+sentralorigin I found it with honeythief song in an AMV.
Vlad Pavăl
obito amv cruel world honeythief yellow flash