Another day, another brand new hard rock band you need to check out
“Some Things Matter” might be the first release from Hollowstar, but they’ve packed plenty into their two years.
In addition to playing with the likes of Chantel McGregor and Toseland, the quartet have received the endorsement of the BBC and won the Breakthrough Act of 2016 at the NMG Awards. Not to mention that they are about to embark on their first full UK tour in support of this EP.
So it is then, that there is a little more expectation on these six songs than there might normally be. However, on the evidence of the confidence contained within, then these boys aren’t bothered in the slightest.
Sometimes, you can tell from the opening riff, and “Lay Down” (which begins with the sound of a guitar being plugged in as if to emphasise the fact they mean business) has arena bothering thoughts from the get go as it takes on a “pretty little lady on the walk of shame.”
“Holding It Together” has a groove like a wrecking ball, and even when they slow it down as they do on the Led Zep tinged “Feel The Burn” they maintain a real muscular presence.
Nothing here is going to be ashamed, and nothing here is going to die wondering. ”New Age Lullaby” comes in swinging with only one thing bigger than its hook and that is it’s chorus, while “Future City” has a darker guitar sound, a more monolithic intent, perhaps, but big old bluesy balls that are never too far away.
Last song “Guilty” is in one sense a walk down that same path, but in another it is something to remember them by. When singer Joe Bonson suggests in the chorus that “can you tell that I am going to hell? Can you tell that you’re guilty as well?” he does so in a manner that suggests that if that they are going to visit the fiery place than old Beelzebub best watch out.
Which is precisely why Hollowstar have a chance – even with a slew of young hard rockers around these days. You simply wouldn’t want to be the one to tell them no. On this showing they wouldn’t listen anyway. A (hollow)star is born.
Rating 8/10
