In the Post #30: The Holloways
The Holloways burst onto my radar in early 2007 with “Generator“, their incredibly catchy hit single. They sort of fizzled from view after that before I got their second album, “No Smoke, No Mirrors”, through my letterbox late last week.
There’s a part of me that feels I should hate this bunch skinny-jeans / American Apparel-style too-cool-for-school lads from North London. However I wouldn’t be doing them any justice – their album is catchy, simple and honest. It’s not gonna win any critical acclaim, it’s not the next Beatles classic, but it’s simple and fun. Like the Ting Tings for Camden-ites. Yes, this will strike fear into many of your hearts, but I don’t care.
We have the great vocal arrangements that would have The Futureheads’ Hounds of Love bowing down to them (see lead single “Jukebox Sunshine”‘s chorus), we have social commentary of today’s delicate emo / chav / trendies equilibrium (“Why do all the rude boys on the bus find it fun to make a fuss / of anyone a little bit dissimilar / why can’t they just leave each to their own devices / even if they’re a bit unfamiliar” on “On the Bus”). We also have the great catchy Kooks-esque sing-alongs (see most tracks on the album, “Alcohol” in particular).
It’s the sort of thing you’ll probably love if you are a casual Kooks / Libertines / Pigeon Detectives / The Courteeners / Little Man Tate / Ting Tings fan. If however, any of those names strike fear into your heart don’t touch this album!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUMUnEYYKXM[/youtube]
The Holloways – Jukebox Sunshine
The Holloways’ new album, “No Smoke, No Mirrors” is out today. Order it from Amazon here.
