The Holloways - Generator (Sensible Recordings) By Nick Quantrill

Hailing from the Holloway Road area of London, this limited edition, vinyl-only debut release is a prime slice of ska-tinged pop from a band destined to be one to watch out for in 2006. Lead track Generator is a three-minute snapshot of what the band have to offer. With its prominent harmonies and choppy guitars, Generator is something approaching a 21st Century take on the toughness of the punk era combined with the classic pop of the 1960s. Unlike so many other bands, The Holloways get the balance just right between being influenced by other bands and channelling that into their own sound.

The flip-side, Two Left Feet follows in a similar manner and with its simple harmonica overdub, compliments Generator perfectly.

Lyrically the band seems to be positioning themselves as life's underdogs, while still striving to look the world in the eye. Although this gives their lyrics a gritty realism, there is a nagging feeling that the band isn't quite hitting the target. It's as if the band is trying to be too much, too soon. While the lyrics are clearly aiming to articulate in a way that connects with a wide audience, they fall just short on this occasion. When they don't quite hit the target, as on Two Left Feet, the results feel simplistic.

When they get it right, as on the newly available Myspace track Great Britain, The Holloways become a formidable proposition. For a debut release, this is an assured shot of intent. With a place on the NME January 2006 tour confirmed and a new single pencilled in for February, you'll be hearing a lot more from The Holloways in the near future. www.myspace.com/theholloways www.theholloways.tk

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