Miles of Music - Staff Writer "Alt. Honky-Tonk Garage BritPop." Not too far off the mark, through probably favoring the BritPop edge, heavy with warm, rootsy undercurrents… has a fluid, indefinable sound where all of these elements mix. Capable of swinging from one end of the spectrum to the other, they prefer mostly to get groovy with lazily nuanced melodies floating over acoustic-driven rock… the distinct arrangements allow each song its own sound.
Groundwaves - Joshua Edelstein 50 Cent Haircut is an irreverent L.A. rock band whose sound could have belonged to the Beatles if they'd grown up in Austin instead of Liverpool.
Delusions of Adequacy - Dave McgonigleLike the Kinks reborn as honky-tonk hillbillies or an alt-country band that has read Oscar Wilde, the LA-based fivesome combines the best of British barbs with all that’s good and great in Americana. Think drawling vocals, jerky American-gothic guitars, soaring choruses, and you’re on the right track. In other words...pretty damn good.
The Music Never Stops/KPFK 90.7 - Barry SmolinGlad to have discovered [50centHaircut's] music. In addition to liking the band and the album, I very much dig [the] writing. The lyrics are truly artful in all the best ways. One doesn't get to hear well-crafted, intelligent lyrics much anymore... There's not enough of that in contemporary American songcraft. The craftsmanship and wit are appreciated!
Radio Crystal Blue - Dan Herman50 Cent Haircut neatly borrows and begs from all the songs that made early rock n' roll, classic rock and contemporary rock so memorable. First time I heard "Fiction" I envisioned my radio as a time machine, playing all the sounds from the 50's to the 70's all at once. Those with a real love for classic rock and all its nuances will quickly find themselves fans of this great California group.
5twenty4 - Staff WriterIf I were driving Route 127 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque in my 1975 Chevy pickup, I’d definitely pop in 50 cent Haircut to my 8 track player.... Brood of Change, made me feel like I should be rocking out in a bar with plenty of something cold on tap. The Clash, Waits, Costello, and Cash are all a part of the sound that this LA-based band is pulling off with great success. But the sound is still their own, lead by a unique voice, great lyrics, catchy compositions and excellent musicianship.... My friends know that I am perhaps the biggest music snob there is and these guys are going to stay in my CD player for a while. Thank you, 50 Cent Haircut, thank you for reaffirming that great music is being made despite the best efforts of Blink 182...
Alibi - Rachel HeislerWith slide guitar, the lazy drawl and distressing tales of lost love, 50 Cent Haircut have the must-have tidbits of classic country music without ignoring the "alternative" side of things. The two-sided sound leads to comparisons to contemporaries like Sumack, a somewhat vague but sure-fire reference, and long-standing rockers The Kinks... this CD [Brood or Change] certainly reflects a few like-minded gentlemen who work best together as a group to nail down the necessary parts, which leads to each song being a complete work that can stand on its own if need be.
Pork Tartare - Staff WriterJay Souza sounds like a mix between Brit Rock and Tom Petty, creating solid vocals amidst a driving, sonic backdrop. A well done full length [Brood or Change] for anyone in the mood for sing along rock and pop. A favorite over here at the Empire of Swine.
No-Fi Magazine - Mary BondWell, this band is interesting. I saw a flyer for them that said "alt honky tonk garage brit pop" and I thought- "Ha! Yeah, right. They wish." But it is actually pretty accurate... The lyrics tell little stories (ala Blur) and the music makes you bob your head and tap your foot involuntarily.
The Daily Breeze - Feature in "Rave" magazine - Corey LevitanDespite it's novelty lyrics [Bring Me the Head(of a Backstreetboy)], this Haircut shows rock's storied roots. Swelling with three chord swagger, tube amps and slide guitar, 50 Cent Haircut is part of a third wave of alt-country bands crashing ashore.
Santa Monica Mirror - Tony PeyserSouza has a sound in his voice like a door that creaks instead of shuts. 50 Cent Haircut gives off some pleasing Tom Petty meet The Byrds sparks...
NY Rock - Bill RibasAs these six songs waft across the room, you get a feel for authentic country, like Hank Williams, with a slight Brit influence...
AltCountrytab - Warren OwenThey twist the vision of alt-country and mix in larger doses of garage rock to form a band sound like Cracker with Brett Anderson of (London) Suede on vocals...