The Holloways
NO SMOKE, NO MIRRORS
Press Release
SINGLE: NO SMOKE, NO MIRRORS
LABEL: MADFISH
RELEASE DATE: 5TH OCTOBER 2009
CAT NO: SMACD965
“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.
JUKEBOX SUNSHINE
Press Release
SINGLE: JUKEBOX SUNSHINE
LABEL: MADFISH
RELEASE DATE: 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009
CAT NO: SMACD961S
Jukebox Sunshine is the brand new single taken from The Holloways hugely anticipated new album ‘No Smoke, No Mirrors’ released 05/10/09 on Madfish.
Feeling reborn is a rare treat; but The Holloways resilience in recent times has led to what feels like a rebirth. Reaping such a rare reward was the first step along the clear path that now lies ahead for a band who once again have much to smile about; not that The Holloways had stopped smiling – not for a very long time anyway. ‘The Sun doesn’t always shine’ is one of the band’s phrases to live by along with ‘everything happens for a reason’.
2008 had been an emotional rollercoaster for the band with many factors conspiring to prevent exciting new material (recorded at the legendary Sawmills) getting the full-scale releases they deserved. A lengthy legal battle with their American label and then the unthinkable; smoke billowed and flames raged through The Holloways HQ and home – Nambucca - in December last year destroying almost everything in it’s path. But fast forward a couple of months to early 2009 and all is looking up, Alfie Jackson and Bryn Fowler are joined by two new members Mike Baker (guitar) and Edwin Harris (drums) – new band, new tracks, new luck – it appears everything does happen for a reason…
Jukebox Sunshine, the lead single from the new album is set to be a huge summer anthem. It has all the hallmarks of The Holloways we know and love, jam-packed with rampant pop spirit and humour but with a little something extra. From the moment the pizzicato strings and backbeat kick in its apparent that after the next two minutes and thirty seconds, no matter what, you will feel better – guaranteed. From the harmonically rich layered guitars to the huge sing along chorus this is a track that promises to keep the summer alive. Lyrically Jackson re-affirms the band’s positivity and direction proclaiming ‘I just want to have a good time, throw the past into the night’ in the middle eight. This is a band that has given themselves a new lease of life and are loving it.
Jukebox Sunshine is released 21/09/09 on Madfish.
The Holloways Biography
Feeling reborn is a rare treat; but The Holloways resilience in recent times has led to what feels like a rebirth. Reaping such a rare reward was the first step along the clear path that now lies ahead for a band who once again have much to smile about; not that The Holloways had stopped smiling - not for very long anyway. "The sun doesn't always shine" is one of the band’s phrases to live by; along with "everything happens for a reason”.
In the early months of 2009, Alfie and Bryn were busy recording additional new material to kick-start the year. By April they decided to start actively seeking new members and as luck would have it, in the very first rehearsal they found guitarist Mike Baker, who - after playing just one song with the band - had done enough for Alfie and Bryn to make up their mind. The following day Edwin Harris set up his drums and did a quick warm up and before even 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 doing a few gigs and recording 3 brand new songs and they’re back doing what they do best - playing music.
2008 had been soul destroying for the band. Much conspired to prevent full scale releases of the exciting new material recorded at the legendary Sawmills Studio. The biggest setback was the long, drawn out legal battle across the pond involving their stateside former label TVT.
The darkest hour before the dawn came in December with a lot of smoke as The Holloways' home - Nambucca - caught fire. Much was lost in the fire - practically everything. This was the final straw for Dave and Rob who felt the end had come with nothing seeming to go the band's way. However, the founding members - Alfie and Bryn - felt the previous 3 years of good fortune by far outweighed the 12 months of bad fortune; and having weathered the storm, they concluded "2009 has to be good. Yin and yang and all that." - The sun doesn't always shine indeed.
The Holloways had an exciting start to life with the critically acclaimed debut - "So This Is Great Britain?” - and 2007 saw the band storm sold out shows across the UK with singles Dance Floor, Generator and Two Left Feet pumping on the radio airwaves.
Now, the energy and the bond in the band has seen the boys enjoy an intense schedule which is already relighting many fires ahead of the release of the new album – No Smoke, No Mirrors – which is due for a September release.
Everyone is massively excited for the summer schedule; the boys will be back on the road gigging the brand new set featuring songs from the forthcoming album alongside the classic Holloways favourites.
Manager
Chris Brown chris@universaleventsuk.com
Scream Promotions - Radio & TV plugger
Tony Cooke tony@screampromotions.co.uk
Natalie Jennings Natalie.Jennings@screampromotions.co.uk
Leyline Promotions – press and online PR
Adrian Leigh adrian@leylinepromotions.com
Nick Bateson nick@leylinepromotions.com
Joe Gamp joe@leylinepromotions.com
Lifestyle and fashion press & sponsorship
Stephen Mahoney stman4u@hotmail.com
Snapper Music - record label
Tom Gallacher tom@snappermusic.co.uk
The Orchard – digital distributor
Veronika Dann veronika@theorchard.com
Primary Talent – booking agent
Matt Bates matt@primary.uk.com
Ynika Crosby ynika@primary.uk.com
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