Labels: Dislocation Deity – Hollow Soul
Review by: Phil Differ
It would be extremely lazy to only compare Holehouse’s material to that of acoustic singer/songwriters such as Richard Thompson and Nick Drake. His lighter side draws similarities to various bands including Mono, Pavement, Swans and Mogwai. It’s always a very attractive prospect when someone with a heavier background decides to go solo venting their frustration or translating ideas in a very different manner. To be honest, I never really bothered to listen to “Among the Missing’ (his previous band). The musician’s former band’s influences hinted at the fact that this album was going to be extremely unique and provide something different from the acoustic based drivel that dominates the airwaves. “From The Dawn Chorus”¦” is far more emotional and worthwhile than anything James Morrison could come up with.
My favourite track “Rhinestone’ sounds like hay day Pink Floyd if they had recruited Dylan Carson as a second guitarist. The songwriter’s background as a doom monger becomes more apparent as a crescendo leads the song off into a smoky haze. Again, all I can imagine is David Gilmour and Earth’s mastermind writing together.
Another stand out track “The Tree on The Hill’ features guest vocals from Holehouse’s friend Naomi Hate Humans. The vocals and the lyrics on this track flow perfectly with the guitar. I have to admit that I definitely have a soft spot for songs about murder and hangings and the duet feature really enthralled me.
“From the Dawn Chorus”¦’ as a whole, progresses in a very exciting manner creating moods and letting them evolve with each track. This album is a perfect example of how Holehouse is able to establish a hook yet still include very intricate melodies and powerful lyrics. The acoustic side of Holehouse has only really just begun and he has conveyed a maturity greater than that of his peers.