BLOW UP HOLLYWOOD

A new band for me, Blow Up Hollywood. I had no clue about this band until I interviewed them one month ago. I then got their albums and I am starting with this album, their debut album. I have no idea what they have done on their other albums (besides of their own words in that interview) so I am just describing what comes out of my speakers.

I am also listening with open ears and an open mind. That is required here because this music is pretty far removed from the dense music I am normally listening too. This album is a case of "less is enough". The instruments here is piano, some cello, synth/hammond and vocals. The mood is melancholic, dark and strangely uplifting at the same time. There is no time shifts and no intricate melody lines here. The songs are mostly vocals driven. The vocals and the rest of the instruments is excellent. Yes, I do regard the (excellent) vocals as an instrument on this album.

Reference points ? A bit Pink Floyd, Manning, Radiohead and Coldplay. But just a bit of all these four acts. Blow Up Hollywood is not copying anyone, as far as I am aware of.

The quality is actually very good throughout. I am actually very surprised by this album because the description in the interview did not give me much hope. But it is obvious that sea-breeze is an underestimated creative force. The best song of this album is Kite. A superb and strangely catchy melancholic song with a captivating melody line, driven along by some excellent vocals.

But most of the other songs on this album have subtle melody lines which just crawl under your skin and stays there. It is a strangely captivating album. Bizarre, because this is not the type of music I like.......... so I thought ! Well, stay long enough in ProgArchives, be a musical adventurer and your world will be turned upside down. This album proves that.

I give it three stars today, but it is bordering to four stars and I may do an upgrade later on.

3.75 stars