Customer Reviews

Softly Towards The Light

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On the followup to their stellar record, Casting Shadows, New Jersey band the Black Hollies slow the tempo down a bit and offer up more psychedelic pop than psychedelic rock this time, but the results are generally as good. The production once again sounds like the record was made in the 60's, though, as with Casting Shadows, the tracks are all Black Hollies originals. I do favor their faster numbers, tracks like "Run With Me Run," "Gloomy Monday Morning" and "Look What You've Done," but they also score with slower songs like the closer "Don't Be Afraid To Ask." The music is a dynamic, infectious mix of psychedelic rock and pop, garage rock and a little bit of soul. This is a solid third release for the Black Hollies that demonstrates their versatility while expanding their rock and pop horizons. Hopefully, this record will earn them the wider audience they deserve.

At first listen, I almost confused The Black Hollies with 60s rock group, The Hollies ("Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress") Soon I came to my senses, however, and realized what I was hearing most closely resembled bands like The Zombies, The Yardbirds and The Who, (in their early years.)

The album opens up with "Run with me Run;" the perfect energetically-winding, organ-filled opener. "Gloomy Monday Morning" is a catchy tune of young lust, while "Everything's Fine" has a bluesy, Jesus and Mary Chain-type feel. "Lead Me to Your Fire" revs up the engine once more with its fervent guitar solos, while "How Did We Get Here" will surely remind you of John Lennon's solo work.

FULL REVIEW HERE

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With "Softly Towards The Light," The Black Hollies pick up right where they left off with their most excellent debut Cd, "Casting Shadows." It sounds like a psychedelic classic that was unearthed after collecting dust in a vault for 40-some years. Like its predecessor, it's full of distorted fuzz guitar riffs, swirling organ, solid rhythm, and beautiful harmonies. There isn't a weak song on this disc. Of course, the sound quality is impeccable, and like any good 60's classic, is only enhanced by headphones. You can't go wrong with either of their first two CD's. Open your mind to The Black Hollies. You won't regret it!