An Unfiltered, Heartfelt Anthem: Tom Collins – ‘Halfway Boys’ Review

Words: Samuel Page

Tom Collins is known for his ability to blend raw emotion with gritty, authentic
storytelling, and his latest single, ‘Halfway Boys’, is no exception. Collins returns with
a knockout track that dives deep into the complexities of camaraderie and the
struggles of living on the edge.

Growing up in North Wales, Tom Collins is already an artist with many raw, heartfelt
songs to his name. His previous releases showcase his unique vocals and heart on
sleeve songwriting in a similar manner to artists such as Sam Fender and Jamie
Webster. ‘Halfway Boys’ is a hard-hitting anthem that creates emotive imagery of an estate riddled with poverty, pregnancy, addiction and child neglect. Collins’ raspy,
evocative vocals set the tone for this song perfectly. His voice, worn yet resilient,
perfectly mirrors the song’s themes of survival and brotherhood. Lyrically, Collins
paints a vivid picture of a group of friends navigating the harsh realities of life, always
‘halfway’ to somewhere better but never quite arriving.

Musically, the song was mixed in Liverpool by Alex Quinn who has also worked with
up-and-coming indie sensations The Royston Club. On the surface, the production
seems raw and unpolished, but this only enhances the song’s authenticity. It’s clear
that Collins has poured his heart into this track, crafting a song that’s as much about
perseverance as it is about the bonds that keep us going.

Overall, ‘Halfway Boys’ is a standout track that highlights Tom Collins at his very
best. It’s an unfiltered, heartfelt anthem for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in between
where they are and where they want to be – a powerful reminder that sometimes, the
journey is just as important as the destination. Be sure to keep an eye out for Collins,
with upcoming gigs including a support slot with Scottish band Shambolics in
October. You won’t want to miss him.