THE DITTY BOPS - MOON OVER THE FREEWAY published May 2006, Zero Magazine

Happy trails. It's time to go. Take your few most precious belongings, wrap them in a polka dotted handkerchief, tie it to the end of a stick and sling it over your shoulder. The horizon lies before you, your past behind, and the album that is playing in your mind is Moon Over The Freeway.

Folk-hybrid duo Amanda Barrett and Abby Dewald actually sound as adorable as they look. Think of the delicate, fairy tale teller voice of Leigh Nash of Sixpence None The Richer and make it slightly less corny.

However the subject matter of both bands' songs are equally cute and kiddie. When you begin listening to this album, you may think the cuteness factor of the Ditty Bops may be their biggest asset if not their only one. Then suddenly you are hit with slightly darker and downbeat songs like “Growing Upside Down” and “Fall Awake.” Here is where the girls' maturity and range really shows. The lyrics are reminiscent of a slightly sedated Tracy Bonham. Overall, whether you can swallow this project really depends on whether or not you have a cuddly side that likes old time jingles, female folk and sugary covers of Bye Bye Love. Your choice.
- Briana Hernandez