Hollis Brown Are Bluesy in All the Right Places
Rummaging through a stack of music that still needed its first listen, I came across the debut album of a band called Hollis Brown. They're a rock outfit from NYC, but it seems like that could mean just about anything nowadays. Their well-crafted songs are rooted in the blues and feature pop hooks that sink in and don't let go. With driving bass lines, this self-titled album could become a go-to companion for cruising with the windows down. I did just that the other day, thinking of how much they reminded me of the Black Crowes, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty, but I suspect that fans of Texas country acts like Reckless Kelly and the Randy Rogers Band will like it, too.
My favorite tracks had to be the swaying Southern anthem "Carolina, Carolina," the gospel-tinged "Walk on Water" and the regret-filled, steel-guitar infused "No More Nights," but I seriously enjoyed the whole album. And is anybody else a sucker for some tastefully done blues organ? Since it won't jump out at you, I think the one on "No More Nights" is just right. The band has a couple of videos on their Web site, but I found a music player with the entire album on their Facebook page. If you feel like singing along with a song that you haven't even heard all the way through yet, check these guys out. Hollis Brown, the album, drops Sept. 1.
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Redmaz says:
Well being a Reckless Kelly fan I checked them out, and I do like them even though they don’t sound like RK. However the lead singer Mike Montali does have very Robert Plant sound to his vocals. Good band. They rock out pretty good. Thanks for introducing me to a band I’ve never heard of. The only way to know if a person likes a band or not is to give them a listen. It’s what I do.
Paul Lascolea says:
I’ve been seeing these guys for years now. Totally my favorite band.
LuAnn Hoffman says:
My friends and I saw them in person at a club in MA. They really rock !! GREAT BAND and a GREAT bunch of guys. They have a bright future and I wish them all the best.
Manny Bo says:
HB is definitely new york city’s best kept secret, whenever they’re in nyc i have to come out, its like a breath of fresh air at these shows, lots of great songs on the album and seeing them live is an experience. Just make sure to break out the jack daniels and cowboy boots.