An all girl band. One of those things that's extremely hard to resist, like those new plug-in air fresheners with the built-in outlet. The four ladies who make up the Halo Friendlies hail from California and seek to share their love for music and for fun through their debut release on Jackson Rubio Recordings. The style is surf meets pop punk, bringing to mind everything from Delta Haymax to Dakoda Motor Co., but there are even hints of beautifully messy music like Morella's Forest.
The opening track, "New Wave," sets the tone for the album. Excellent vocal production meets with generally simple, but fun, surf-punk music, to form a danceable groove. The Halo Friendlies can play their instruments well enough, but are not yet to the point that allows them a lot of room for experimentation and creativity. This results in a somewhat repetitive album, but there are definitely some winning moments. "Look Around," "Cry Of Job," and "I'm Fine" have a more emotional and moody feel, and are very likeable songs. They have even included a techno remix of "Sunrise Surprise," a song which originally appeared on a Jackson Rubio sampler. The vocal talent of the ladies definitely shines through the various harmonies and vocal parts. The lyrics are divided about half and half into fun songs about relationships and serious-minded songs about Christ. The overall feel to the album is basically one of real life; the Halo Friendlies like to have fun, but they do think about more than just that.
The four members, Cheryl (guitar), Natalie (bass), Deanna (drums), and Judita (guitar), share the vocal and songwriting duties. If you enjoy fun, 50's influenced music, the self-titled Halo Friendlies album is worth a listen. They have put out a solid debut, and though there is room for improvement, they have made the statement they wished to make...girls can play, too! It will be interesting to watch this band develop, as they definitely show promise to continue, improve, and succeed.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernWhile some of this can take on the timbre of The Breeders or even Morella's Forest, other moments remind one of The Go-Go's. Still, some parts even bring to mind a smoother Courtney Love vocal. I especially liked the rockabilly/spy music vibe of "Look Around." There's a healthy bit of variety, as "Flake-O (on My Scalp-O)" is quite an upbeat pop tune, "Sunrise Surprise" is a dance mix, and "Cry of…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Jim MendenhallThis CD is not as intense as 90 lb Wuss or Value Pac, but it's punk none the less. The influence of 60's pop is very strong, which means that the songs get stuck in your head and you just can't get them out. You're also likely to find yourself dancing uncontrollably all around your room. These girls can really rock, that's no question, but what about the lyrics? The subject of most modern punk…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by MiguelJim Mendenhall's review of the Halo Friendlies' debut album is a bit too shining. I bought the album fresh in the stores, expecting chick-type punk and 80s Go-Gos funk. I wasn't disappointed. These girls really do ROCK. It's like acid-Motown. The problem I have with the album (and hence Jim's review) is the lyrics. I find them predictable, whiney, and less-than-wonderful in general. It is evident…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Rich VoelzDecisions, decisions.... With little money I bought this CD over the new Frodus CD at the spur of the moment and I'd have to say that it was nothing short of disappointing. There was a lot of hype behind the all-girl Halo's and could have gone into a few short improvements. For instance, the recording quality could have been much better as well as mixing it down. I'm sure the girls will be great…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerThe young Jackson-Rubio label is really earning my respect, consistently putting out unique, creative, talented bands mostly outside of mainstream trends--Havalina Rail Co., Thee Spivies, the Merbabies... and now the Halo Friendlies. The four groovy girls who make up the band (Havalina frontman and Jackson-Rubio head honcho Matt Wignall's wife being one of them) have taken the beats and attitudes…Similar sounding releases
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