Shimmer (CD - 2000)

Luna Halo: Nathan Barlowe (vocals, guitar, Fender Rhodes piano); Jonn MacIntosh (guitar, keyboards); Brad Minor (bass); Jonathan Smith (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: David Davidson (violin); David Henry (cello); Monroe James, Jeffery Roach (keyboards); Mark Hill (bass); Tedd Tjormhom (programming).

Producers: Monroe Jones, Tedd Tjornhom, Nathan Barlowe.

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

Personnel: Nathan Barlowe (vocals, guitar, Fender Rhodes piano); David Henry (cello); Monroe Jones (keyboards); Jonathon "Lil' Jon" Smith (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixers: Chuck Zwicky; David Thoener; Shane D. Wilson.

Recording information: Dark Horse Studios.

Photographer: Kristin Barlowe.

Former Reality Check members Nathan Barlowe and Johnny Macintosh are the catalyst behind Luna Halo. The duo's first offering entitled Shimmer is a disc opting for a polished, alternative groove, shying away from the funkier riffs of their prior band. Rounding out the group is bassist Brad Minor and drummer Jonathan Smith. The disc's opener "Aliens" is a grand entrance. The tune builds nicely with a swirling, wah-wah guitar and lush, effect-laden vocals. "Superman" serves as Shimmers first single release. Barlowe's lyrics reflect being put on a pedestal undeservedly: "I can't be everything, but I know the one who can/I can't be your Superman." The cut is well crafted, with a powerful, memorable chorus. Martin Smith of Delirious wrote "I'll Hang on to You." The tune is stylistically perfect for Luna Halo. Vocally Nathan Barlowe shines on the cut and eloquently delivers the lyrics. Tunes like "Running Away" and "Heaven" are reminders of the bands ability to craft a straightforward rock vibe. Both are pure Top 40 fodder and should please the most avid pop, alternative fan. At times, Luna Halo deliver the goods in an Oasis or Bush vein. At other times, their sound is uniquely their own. The disc's only glitch is that occasionally a few tunes exhibit a bit of sonic sameness, but generally Nathon Barlowe and company are the "glow" behind the Shimmer. ~ Steven Losey minimize