'Hollow Head' is the debut album from Texan-born brothers Dylan and Zack Burns (with a little help from some friends) and was written in their home town before they relocated to Austin to work with producer Louie Lino who has previously manned the desk for Nada Surf. A further relocation to Los Angeles took place with the aim of widening their catchment area and becoming part of the city's vibrant and acclaimed music scene. The choosing of the name The Herald Beat for their musical adventures comes from Dylan laying down a story (the herald) and Zack pinning it down with a beat (um, the beat). So it's been a winding road to get where they are now, but it might just have been worth it.
The music they choose for reference and inspiration for their own work is hardly left-field and not particularly surprising; The Herald Beat, like so many others, see the beauty in the traditional influences that have provided the base material for albums by Grizzly Bear, Menomena, Band Of Horses and others, and as such this record gravitates around semi acoustic tracks that are enriched by a fuller production and the addition of restrained strings, brass and backing vocals. Call it Americana if you like, but it sits on the alternative side of the genre, crossing over into indie-rock territory at times. Much of 'Hollow Head' is made from thoughtful and sometimes pained lyrics, such as those found on 'Hopelessly Honest' and this fact may mean that upon first glance people may pass them by.
It's worth sticking around and letting yourself absorb the songs properly though. There are no hit singles here and nor are there meant to be. 'Hollow Head' instead explores emotions, atmospherics and twilight sounds rather than giving you a big pop rush. It strives for beauty and connection to something deeper and at certain points it manages to do just that, with single 'Awakening' being a particularly potent, if mellow, example. As they stand, The Herald Beat will appeal to a niche market; those with the time and dedication to put in to getting to know the album well, and if you're of that ilk then 'Hollow Head' won't let you down. So no instant "wow" factor then, but a slow-burning record of occasional beauty nonetheless.
The Herald Beat's website
Stream or download the album
Buy the album
For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter
soundofconfusion@hotmail.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment