Long Beach, CA punk-pop quartet the Halo Friendlies was formed in the summer of 1997 by singer/guitarist Judita Wignall, guitarist Cheryl Hecht, bassist Natalie Bolanos and drummer Deanna Moody. The group's self-titled debut album followed in 1998; when Hecht left the Halo Friendlies soon after, Bolanos moved to lead guitar, with bassist Ginger Reyes signing on for 1999's Acid Wash EP. At the dawning of the new millennium, Moody left Halo Friendlies and newcomer Christina Theobold was added to the group for a heavy rock sound. In summer 2002, the band issued a third effort, Get Real, their first for Tooth & Nail.