Up from the rubble of Reality Check rose 2000's best new artist, Luna Halo. Fronted by lead vocalist/guitars extraordinaire Nathan Barlowe, Luna Halo offered pop/rock with an edge and solid melodies. In early 2002, with a sophomore project in the making, Luna left home label Sparrow Records due to creative differences. This left Luna fans worried and discouraged that perhaps Luna would suffer a similar fate to Reality Check and disband following merely a single record. Thankfully, in September, Luna Halo released an independent project only available through the band, a self-titled 4-track EP.

The EP opens with "Glorious Moment," a driving rock song which features a more aggressive vocal approach from Barlowe. By the time the chorus drops, the listener is reminded it's still the group they've come to know and love just taking a more experimental step forward. It's also noticeable that the EP's production isn't exactly major label quality, but it proves it doesn't have to be. "Glorious Moment" is catchy and "Closer" is no exception. "Closer" is a worshipful tune, exploring what it is to surrender to our Creator. "In Between" has a U2/Radiohead feel to it as Barlowe stretches his voice effectively once again for this infectious and impressive tune, complete with its wonderful grand finale. The terribly short EP closes with "Collide," yet another bullseye on this teaser project that almost borrows a guitar riff from their previous song "Running Away" from their debut Shimmer.

Baldridge does an excellent job producing the latest offerings from Luna Halo, despite an understandably lower budget than their Sparrow debut, and helps deliver a delicious set of four appetizers to tide us over till the next full-course helping from the band.

- Review date: 10/30/02, written by John DiBiase