Hal

Their name may evoke a certain robot in 2001: A Space Odyssey, but Hal is the polar opposite of space-age efficiency: Their debut album is an exuberant explosion of pure, fun, optimistic retro-pop. Lilting falsettos and the perfect harmonies of singer brothers David and Paul Allen adorn ultra-catchy, laid-back pop. From energetic poppy numbers to sweet, light ballads, these 11 songs are intricately arranged with nods to the Beatles, Beach Boys, Monkees, Motown and a certain kind of ’70s-era summertime groove. It’s a safe bet the lads in Hal have a few Phil Spector records in their collections as well, for they’ve taken the lessons of the “wall of sound” to heart. Ascending crescendos of strings, bells, keyboards and horns build a lavish backdrop on songs like “Coming Right Over.” Layers of Brian Wilson-inspired background vocals (not to mention some very Beach Boys-esque chimes) swirl into a rich aural palette on “Play the Hits.” Quick, overlapping vocals provide a nice counterpoint to the relatively quiet verses of “Fools By Your Side.” That song and the opener, “What a Lovely Dance,” are the album’s strongest points, but the energy never flags; it just settles down to a cheerful ebullience by the album’s end. Lyrically, the approach is positive, almost naïve–sunshine, getting over it and dealing with your problems are Hal’s advice for pain, it appears. Fans of melodic throwback pop–the Thrills, Lilys, Beachwood Sparks, etc. –will rejoice upon hearing this fun, feel-good record, and rightly so.