[7] Beat Happening released their fifth studio album Dreamy in 1991; as their popularity rose, the members seemed less interested in the band.

Following this, their own label, K Records, was thriving; frontman Calvin Johnson became an important figure in the International Pop Underground Festival, held for the first time in their hometown of Olympia, Washington.

In addition, Johnson formed the Halo Benders, with their producer Steve Fisk, and Dub Narcotic Sound System.

The group's songs combine the spooky-sparse quality of early rockabilly with the naive sound of Sixties teen-beat pop.

"[5] The Washington Post stated that the "do-it-yourself tunes combine the irresistible hummability of bubblegum with the stripped-down dirges of punk.