www.hollowstar.co.uk [Release date: 03.05.19]
This is a full debut album from four-piece hard rockers Hollowstar, who have previously put out only a couple of EPs up until this point. The album has been worth the wait. It serves up a feast of meaty riffs and tasty vocals allied to mature compositions, with no little poise and class on the side.
From the opening twin-guitar salvo of ‘Take It All’, the album shimmers with intent and purpose. That energy and sureness of foot continues with the dense ‘Let You Down’ and the powerhouse ‘Invincible’.
The core of the band is formed by the brothers Bonson: Joe on vocals/bass and Jack on drums. Phil Haines and Tom Collet share impressive rhythm and lead guitar duties throughout.
They all bring their A-game to one of the album’s stand out tracks, ‘Money’, featuring a thrilling guitar signature underpinned by sharp lyrics, well-worked changes of pace and an edgy delivery.
‘All I Gotta Say’ continues in the same vein, offering some clever pauses and change-ups amongst the muscular riffage and tour de force singing.
Alongside the rhythm-heavy, pumping ‘Good Man Gone’ these three tracks provide a high quality mid-album peak. In these days of splintered downloads and piece meal listening, it is refreshing to note the craft with which this album flows and grows.
What else? Well, a good bit.
‘Overated’ produces a heavy boogie shuffle which would put one in mind of Black Stone Cherry. It packs the best guitar solo on the album, rivalled perhaps by that on the aforementioned ‘Good Man Gone’.
And then ‘Down by the Water’, built on a blues riff dirty and low enough to have originated in the Mississippi Delta with the tide out. The collection is closed out by another vibrant piece of heavy rock in ‘Sinner’.
If I’m picking holes (I’m sorry, it’s my job), ‘Think of Me’ is a ballad which is too ploddy in pace and lyrical construction, saved somewhat by a decent instrumental break.
The band has earned some tour spurs supporting the likes of Graham Bonnet and the Dan Reed Network, and they are out on the road again soon. This fine debut album will further raise the profile of Hollowstar and whet the appetite for more. ****
Review by Dave Atkinson
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
RIOGHAN Hands (Inverse Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
