Halos’ front man Dan Lyman has no delusions about what it takes to succeed.

“It’s easy for a lot of musicians, to say they have crappy jobs and that it’s tough starting out,” he says, “but a lot haven’t showered in someone’s sprinklers.” So it went when Lyman was living out of his van for nearly two years in New York, just prior to moving to Southern California, where he assembled the current group that makes up Halos.

It was three years ago when he arrived armed with a repertoire of well-written songs, a voice like a plainer Isaak Brock (Modest Mouse), and unflinching resolve to do things his way. In the coming months he pieced together the rest of the band through friends and various contacts, one of whom is producing Living Like Kings In Confined Spaces, their new album, which is due for release in 2011. That producer is Greg Ritchling, bassist of The Wallflowers.

A year and a half ago, the first show Halos sold out happened in Monterey. This is their first time back to the area since, after being on tour with Circa Survive in the U.K. this past July, who played almost exclusively sold-out venues.

Coming back to play the Peninsula has its benefits, as Halos’ guitarist Zak Freedman’s native Carmel connections and generous family help keep the band out of hotels and motels. “It’s nice to be with family,” Lyman says. “They make us breakfast, and just make a good time for us while we’re here.”

Halos’ sound has been compared to U2, which is appropriate considering one of their current favorites (Florence and the Machines) will soon be playing with the mega-superstars. “It’s very flattering to get the comparison,” Lyman says.

Still unsigned, Halos is quickly moving through the indie music scene with their clean and surprisingly polished music, leaving behind a trail of fans. After they release In Confined Spaces it doesn’t seem like they will stay unsigned for long. In other words, the confined spaces may turn into expansive places where anything is possible.

HALOS play 10pm on Friday, Oct. 22, at Planet Gemini, 2110 N. Fremont St. Monterey., $7/ages 18-20; $5/ages 21+. 373-1449.