Much like their Nettwerk labelmates and recent tour partners Panchiko, Arizona’s Alison’s Halo enjoyed their greatest success after the band folded. As its name suggests, their lone album Eyedazzler 1992-1996 compiled some of the highlights from their five years of recorded output, with the record becoming something of a cult hit in the same way that Panchiko’s promo EP D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L from a few years later would, particularly with the recent revival of shoegaze and dream pop.
This revival led both bands to regroup for tours as well as new music, although Alison’s Halo’s new EP Skywide is technically old music re-recorded by the band after they happened upon some unused demos. “It was incredible to revisit these recordings decades later and breathe new life into them,” shared guitarist Adam Cooper. “The new melodies and lyrics bridge nearly 30 years of our history.” Added vocalist/guitarist Catherine Cooper: “[The songs] basically wanted to be left alone, and we learned very quickly to just get out of their way and let them shine!”
After a reunion tour earlier this year, the Coopers—along with bassist David Rogers and percussionist Roger Brogan—were joined by new-gen shoegazers Tanukichan for a set of November US dates, which they’re about halfway through. You can check out some of the tour’s highlights via their photo diary below, and find the full list of dates here.
We always inspect and survey our nation’s power grid to make sure it can meet our pedalboard and rack gear’s energy requirements. Thankfully, this one passed inspection.
Standard Sprinter van photo with at least one band or crew member crashed out.
Hotel views of rooftop HVAC systems always grounds, centers, and soothes Catherine before a long tour.
As the self-appointed ambassador/spokesperson/model for vinyl decal industry, Catherine never misses a chance to promote it—with a smile.
Some alone time for the rhythm section of Dave and Roger.
Adam summoning all the power of all the bands that have passed through this green room. We’re pretty sure the David Bowie signature on the wall was a forgery.
Capturing the backsides of bands and sound engineers is never our goal. Or is it?
Calm before the storm at the Constellation Room at The Observatory! Love all the astronomy references! Fun Fact: Adam once had an astronomy professor named Prof. Starrfield—best name ever.
Merch line! Our merch guy, Max, is the life blood of the whole Alison’s Halo operation. He has the best smile in the industry, but is always shrouded by throngs of anxious buyers. He’ll only flash you his smile after you buy some Alison’s Halo merch.
A packed house being treated to our Eyedazzler artwork being projected by our pal, Bill Gazer, who lit the show!
Our tri-annual tour stop to one of the great mysteries of the Southwest: The Thing! What is it? Only one band member has ever dared to enter the exhibit/tour to find out.
Deciding on setlists and where to eat are the two main concerns on tour. Here’s the band and crew deciding on both after arriving in Texas! Don’t be surprised if there is BBQ sauce on the setlist.
Roger on his throne—his happy place.
Band photo booth op! Guess which one of us doesn’t like being photographed or being crammed into photo booths.
