HAL

While another bunch of young Irishmen doing the West coast country pop routine may not seem as appealing since the Thrills released their underwhelming sophomore album, HAL aren’t as easy to write off. HAL go straight for the ’70s AM jugular, kind of like Beachwood Sparks without the mind-expanding freak-outs. A worthy follow-up to last year’s magnificent "Worry ’Bout The Wind” single, "What A Lovely Dance” is a warm and soulful semi-ballad that screams for you to hold your loved one by the waist and slow dance into the night. (www.sanctuarynewmedia.com/roughtrade/hal_hi.ram)