Album Details
“The Holloways are piecing together the pop album of the year” – Mark Beaumont, NME
The Holloways new album is not just an authentic album in the tradition of great British bands who have left an indelible mark in both the UK and US, but one of song-writing prowess, keen hooks and luscious, textured melodies. A slice of quintessential British pop, further establishing their reputation as a hard working, solid and integral pop-rock band. Their first album in two years since ‘So This Is Great Britain?’ The Holloways return with stronger songs and catchier melodies than ever before.
In April of 2009, they decided to start actively seeking new members – in the very first rehearsal they found guitarist Mike Baker, who after playing just one song with the band had done enough for them to make up their minds. The following day Edwin Harris set up his drums and did a quick warm up and even before playing a song, the decision again, was easy. Luck had clearly swung back in The Holloways favour and a new lease of life took the boys into the studio for a couple of hectic weeks before performing a few gigs and recording three brand new songs. They’re now back doing what they do best – playing music.
‘No Smoke, No Mirrors’ is the product of a love for making stripped down, joyously crafted pop songs. Losing none of the same happy-go-lucky melodies and jaunty pop sensibilities that were present on ever-popular tracks like ‘Generator’, ‘Two Left Feet’ and ‘Dancefloor’, Alfie, Bryn, Mike and Edwin show they have matured and turned their life-experiences into something wholly positive. A perfect example is ‘Jukebox Sunshine’ the first single to be taken off the album, delivering a luscious tropical lilt with layered harmonies and an unforgettable hook – destined to become on of the UK’s feel-good ‘Indian summer’ anthems of 2009.
AAA kicks off the album with beautiful harmonic melodies, recognisable cheeky vocals and memorable lyrics set against a backdrop of a rich and accomplished orchestration. The travelling ethos of “On The Bus”, with its ascending riffs and gracefully strummed acoustic guitars conjures up the sound of modern-day troubadours, gallantly and positively offering their thoughts and feelings about unsavoury characters with closed minds, littering seats and polluting the audible air on double-decker buses. Even tunes like ‘Alcohol’ and ‘Little Johnny Went to Parliament’, with their serious subject matter and shy observance, are wrapped up in organic, pop melodies and vocal hooks that will make you turn your dial up for a closer listen. The sound of a band, rightfully having the best time of their lives.
Closing ballad ‘Knock Me Down’, with a gentle and heartfelt touch and acoustic aesthetics, further displays the bands knack of writing a great song, matured and strengthened, but never defeated, by the tribulations of modern life…in the words of Alfie, ‘Sometimes people get the wrong idea about me…’
The Holloways unique and loveable brand of indie–pop is here again. With a strong line-up, renewed vigour and a likeable, positive outlook on life, it’s clear that people will get the right idea about these national treasures – and the legions of fans that have patiently awaited their triumphant return to the fold. With their energy, diversity and maturity clearly growing, The Holloways are showing signs of becoming a truly great band, with a very fruitful future indeed.
