Thrift Store Halo – Pop Rocket (EP)

Back in 1998, Frank Gradishar and Thrift Store Halos released their debut album entitled World Gone Mad. Despite excellent press and considerable airplay, life’s obstacles got in the way and the band had to hang it up prematurely. Gradishar moved on to law school and a “proper career”. Yet, he never completely abandoned music or the thought of a Thrift Store Halos reunion.

After some time and a few false starts, Thrift Store Halos are back with a fresh perspective and a half dozen catchy tunes that fit well within the classic powerpop template used by bands such as Cheap Trick, Fountains of Wayne and early Tom Petty.

“Listening to the “World Gone Mad” LP against the new stuff, there’s just no comparison, in my mind (although I am very proud of WGM). I now hear what I always wanted to hear, and experienced what I always wanted out of a band, a true meeting of the minds, a real team effort. It is fun again”. – Frank Gradishar

Thrift Store Halo have a pretty powerful sound for a three piece which should be expected, seeing that Lance Tawzer, the new guitarist, was an original member of Material Issue. “I’m Not Through” is first rate guitar pop with it’s shout aloud chorus and memorable melody. It’s easy to like the bouncy “Let’s Not Wait” and “Save Me From Myself” has the catchy chorus and crunchy guitars that place it head and shoulders above the others. While it’s only one of several quite enjoyable songs on Pop Rocket, it’s the standout single for me.

Thrift Store Halo are: Frank Gradishar (Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar & Songwriting), Scott Proce (Drums and Backing Vocals) and Lance Tawzer (Guitar, Songwriting and Backing Vocals).

Pop Rocket is set for an August 15 release on the band’s own Hi-Beam Records label. Thrift Store Halo’s Pop Rocket can be purchased through the band’s website or from Kool Kat Musik.