The Album Cover
Rambunctious, twangy blues-rock
Hollis Brown is just one of those bands that I struggle to categorise into a specific genre. Their sweet melodies and heartfelt lyrics create a warm and rich sound contrasting with the bluesy rock rhythms and rock and roll elements. Hollis Brown’s songs are simple yet effective. In 2012 they released their first EP. Now they release their first full length album Ride on the Train. I think that there is a song for everyone on this album from the upbeat southern flavour of rock and roll displayed on the first track Ride on the Train to the emotive and heartfelt track If it aint me. The album is a tuneful collection of Rock, Pop, Americana and Blues.
What I really liked about Hollis Brown was the simple formula present in their songs. There are no gimmicks or surprises when it comes to their sound, it is just four guys playing from the heart and I believe that it creates a musical arc throughout the album. There are tracks on the album that will pull at the heart strings of Blues and Rock fans and there are songs for Pop fans too. The album was made in Nashville and I can also hear the influence of country in some of their songs too. The album fuses a number of different genres together; I can hear several of their influences including The Beatles, Kings of Leon and Bob Dylan. (The band name honours one of his songs The Ballad of Horris Brown)
The melodies on this album are infectious and I really enjoyed the tracks Ride on the train, Doghouse Blues and Gypsy Black Cat. I think most people will be drawn to the bigger rock songs on the album when they listen to it however the slow songs such as Nightfall and When the Weather’s Warm shine for me, with the profound lyrics and relatable context the slower ballads are definitely some of my favourites. Mike Montali, the lead vocalist speaks about missing someone and wanting them to come back home in the track When the Weather’s Warm, which is an emotion that just about everyone can identify with.
The album has raving reviews already, the time out New York calls the album ‘Rambunctious, twangy blues-rock’ and the Huffington Post calls them ‘A terrific band.’ The Spin also comments on the band by saying ‘Hollis Brown make music that sounds just as alive today as it would’ve in 1966 and will still 40 years from now.’ I have to agree with this review, the band has an authentic and timeless sound that could be played in any era and because of the genres being so diverse, the band could definitely reach different audiences with their music.
I really enjoyed listening to their new CD, I think that the mixture of Rock, Blue, Pop and a tinge of Country works well for them and I like the stories behind their lyrics. A must have for any music fan. Hollis Brown manages to shift effortlessly from gritty rock and roll to soft, sweet ballads and every shade in between. Their new album Ride on the Train is available on Itunes right now. Go and buy it. You won’t be disappointed.
Five Stars *****