Get Real by Halo Friendlies: A Raw Blast of Alt-Pop Punk Energy That Still Kicks Ass
Let’s cut the crap. If you’re into music that feels like a punch in the gut but also kinda makes you wanna dance, Get Real by Halo Friendlies is your jam. Released back in 2002, this album hits hard with its mix of Alternative/Indie Rock, Pop Punk, and just straight-up attitude. It’s not perfect, it’s not polished—it’s raw as hell, and that’s why it works.
First off, let’s talk tracks. “Sellout” slaps you right in the face from the get-go. The guitars are crunchy, the basslines slap harder than most punk bands at the time, and Ginger on bass deserves more props than she probably got. This track screams rebellion without being preachy about it. You can practically hear Judita and Natalie shredding their way through life’s bullshit while Christina pounds those drums like they owe her money. It’s catchy as hell, too—don’t act like you won’t be humming it later.
Then there’s “Milwaukee.” Yeah, I know they spelled it wrong once (looking at you, tracklist typo), but screw it, the song still rules. Lyrically, it’s got that bitter edge we’ve all felt when someone ghosts you or leaves things unsaid. But instead of wallowing, Halo Friendlies turn it into fuel for some killer hooks. The chorus sticks to your brain like gum under a chair—annoyingly good if you think about it. And damn, Kim Shattuck’s production chops shine here; everything sounds tight enough to matter but loose enough to breathe.
The whole vibe of Get Real is chaotic yet controlled, like trying to hold onto a live wire without getting shocked. Sure, some tracks blend together after a few listens, but isn’t that true for any album? What stands out is how unapologetically real these women come across. They don’t care if you love them or hate them—they’re gonna make noise either way.
One thing worth shouting out is Brad Vance’s mastering job. Dude didn’t overdo it, which is rare for early 2000s rock albums drowning in compression. And Evan Frankfort’s mixing keeps every instrument fighting for space, just like it should be in punk-adjacent genres. Honestly, though, the credit goes to Halo Friendlies themselves—they brought the fire, no question.
Looking back now, Get Real feels like a forgotten gem from an era where pop-punk was blowing up but indie credibility still mattered. Tooth & Nail Records knew what they were doing putting this out, even if Golf gave it another push overseas. Too bad mainstream success didn’t follow because this band had something to say—and they said it loud.
So yeah, give Get Real a spin if you’re tired of cookie-cutter playlists and need something with teeth. Just don’t expect perfection. Expect grit, sweat, and maybe a little blood. Oh, and one last thing—why does "Don't Let Me Down" show up twice? Was that intentional or just sloppy editing? Either way, it doesn’t kill the mood. Sometimes mistakes just add character.
