The future looked bright and rosy for Thrift Store Halo back in 1998 when the Chicago-based band’s debut album, World Gone Mad arrived. Positive reception was served in spades, but commitments outside of music prevented the group from moving forward.
Nearly 20 years after the release of World Gone Mad, Thrift Store Halo staged a pleasant surprise by issuing the EP Pop Rocket, which was soon followed by a single (“Every Time With You”/”Concrete Sky”) and another EP, Consolation Prize Fighter. Rave reviews from both the press and the public encouraged the band to carry on.
Thrift Store Halo is clearly here to stay, and have recently cut a new EP, Enemies With Benefits for HiBeam Records that upholds all the characteristics the group is trumpeted for.
Crackling with volume and heft, “Never Too Late” walks a fine line between classic hard rock and contemporary power pop. Packaged in a becoming presentation of clanging and jangling guitars, muscular drumming, solid rhythms and gritty vocals dabbed with a bit of a sneer, the catchy song flashes firmly on Thrift Store Halo’s love for neighboring bands such as Cheap Trick and Enuff Z Nuff.
Thrift Store Halo’s knack for rousing pop rock continues on “World Behind,” which rolls and tumbles with juicy riffs, cool harmonies, stabbing hooks and shifting breaks and grooves. Enemies With Benefits closes the show to the slow and solemn tenor of “Shelter” that gains traction mid-way through the session and features an electrifying episode of bluesy guitar flourishes.
A trio of tunes primed to make your day, Enemies With Benefits projects a great sound and feel, indicating Thrift Store Halo not only transmits their energy and enthusiasm onto record well, but they are no doubt just as exciting in a live setting.
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