While 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 Job" is more of a droning Starflyer-like song. "New Wave" is self-explanatory, as it pays tribute to that era of musicdom. Many lyrics discuss relationships, some bitterly, and some even bordering on obsessive. For example, the spry punk rock song "Love Sick" admits, "I follow you and I hide in the shadows when I see you with another girl..." and then implores, "Give me just one reason why you're avoiding me right now..." Uh, I'll give you a reason: You give me the creeps. The song, like all the others, is pretty cool, actually. Everything on this self-titled debut is played fairly well, but instrumental production could be better.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Melissa KonieczkoAn 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…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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