| | Hailing from Olympia, Wash., the Halo Benders are a supergroup of sorts. Spearheaded by Doug Martsch (Built to Spill) and Indie luminary Calvin Johnson (K records/beat happening/Dub Narcotic), with the help of keyboardist/uber-recording engineer Steve Fisk, their enchanting contributions have never been burdened by the commercial responsibilities of their respective bands or projects. This may, in fact, be the reason the Halos' songs and arrangements are so facile and beautiful. Combined with simple, sometimes playful rhythms and swirling synths, Martsch weaves tasteful, interlaced guitar melodies with his delay pedal. Johnson is once again given poetic license to confuse the listener with his monotone, stream-of-consciousness lyrics. Martsch also chimes in, struggling for the high notes, creating confusing, playful cacophony. Ultimately, what you get are catchy tunes that creatively go a little further than one might expect. |
