The fourth album from Jim Halfpenny, History Pays a Visit delights in its melodic rock, folk, and country fusing — set within a thematic introspection on the things that inspire our personal journeys. Halfpenny, a California native, notes that most of the album takes inspiration from “people, places, and events, either real or imagined, and how they have affected both myself personally and the world throughout our human history.” Also a former film composer, Halfpenny excels with stellar songwriting that tackles both warming sentimentality and modern threats with artful insight.
“Moment of Science” opens the album with an amiable rock appeal, infusing twangy guitar tones amidst playful keys and harmonious vocal layers. The themes within reflect a very modern dilemma, regarding the dangers of AI and its potential dominance. Lyrics note how “everybody looks toward the future,” amidst tender guitars — while also letting out “but they forget about the science and the history of the future of man.” Also displayed in the track’s music video, “Moment of Science” tactfully explores how AI can play a role in altering humanity’s path — and for the worse, if profit is prioritized ahead of ethical responsibility.
“As I fight my daily battle, against tooth decay and plaque,” the vocals let out on “History Pays a Visit,” charming in its interplay between relatable daily routines and more lofty historical accounts — referencing caveman, kings/queens, and “battlefields where fathers died.” A title-touting refrain follows with gripping immersion, with samples of class speeches from JFK, MLK, and others emanating thereafter. The lyrics seemingly allude to how humanity continues to march forward, even after tragedy — and how humanity can hopefully learn from its past; the opening two tracks certainly emphasize those sentiments with invigorating call-to-action.
The quality of songwriting within History Pays a Visit never lets up from there. “Polar Caps” is especially moving in its lush folk arsenal and heartfelt lyricism. “If the timing were right, it could catch me at home playing solitaire,” Halfpenny sings, referencing “precious air,” and other things some may take for granted. “I don’t wanna die in my underwear,” he continues, once again proving simultaneously relatable and poignantly urgent in warnings about climate change’s continued impact. “Visiting Oblivion” comes next on the album, furthering those semi-apocalyptic themes of foreboding. “Too much too late / I’m visiting oblivion,” sends chills, contemplating on the exigency of the world’s many issues.
A more smitten, lighter entrancement shows on “Calendar Girl,” asking “will you marry me when I come home?” within a caressing blend of folk and power-pop radiance. “You brighten up that spot where I have pinned you,” those smitten sentiments continue, in addition to a yearning for “home and a smile from my mother.” History Pays a Visit enamors in its balancing of serious contemplations on humanity with heart-tugging displays of emotion, resulting in a vibrant and expressive array of captivating songwriting from Jim Halfpenny.
