Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Allison Iraheta and Matthew Hager of Halo Circus released their new album Friday.

Now they’re an electronic-based alternative music duo.

What hasn’t changed about Halo Circus is Allison Iraheta’s you-will-listen-to-me quality vocals.

What has completely changed about Halo Circus is the sound.

And after listening to their new album “Robots and Wranglers” a couple of times, you’ll likely decide that’s not a bad thing.

It’s bold. It’s different.

But then that was the idea.

“On ‘Robots and Wranglers,’ we weren’t looking behind us,” Allison says. “We were looking right in front of us. If anything, we wanted to make something new and different that still rang true, you know.

“This album is that. It’s cinematic, but not without a sense of humor.”

We were introduced to the sound when Allison and husband/producer Matthew Hager released the single “Narcissist” early last month. A swipe at social media, it includes the politically charged lyrics “here’s the way I run the country / I hate you but I want you to love me / and don’t you ever stop thinking of me / I hate you but I want you to love me.”

It’s a standout track on the eight-song album, but it’s hardly the only one.

Among the other tracks that command you attention — “Commander,” which checks in at more than 5 minutes; and “Contact,” a yearning for human contact in which Allison pleads “I want you to notice me / take your eyes off of the screen / anything for contact / I’d do anything for contact.”

Yep, you might say Halo Circus has successfully wrangled a new sound.

Next up for Halo Circus is a tour that includes 20 dates so far, including a stop at the Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh on April 6 and at Bourbon and Branch in Philly on April 11.

You can also check out all sorts of exclusive “Robots and Wranglers” merchandise and bundle offers on the Halo Circus website.