holloys

Art Wars

(Memory Bulldozer)

Record Review by Sean P. Lambert

Although only five songs long, the holloys’ Art Wars challenges contemporary ears by seamlessly vaulting between measured rock and the finer points of jazz. To pigeonhole this output as fusion would unfairly limit the scope of what frontman Jim Brown has accomplished. With a healthy mix of talented backing “platoon leaders”Jon Gonnelli (Rye Coalition & The Black Hollies), Jose Medeles (The Breeders & Face to Face) and brother Bryan Lee Brown (Bluebird & Sid Brown), what emerges is a singular vision propelled by the type of creators that defy convention yet immediately engage with a catchy musicality all their own. Think of Sun Ra’s “cosmic” philosophies and the many permutations of his band that touched on genres ranging from ragtime to the psychedelic, which in turn helped to shape the far-out phonic funk of George Clinton and his otherworldly notions of what music could be. Operating at least on the periphery of this tradition, Jim Brown has created an alternate realm in which the holloys lay out a most pleasing invitational soundtrack for us to explore.

Maybe this is all too conceptual for the more casual listener to enjoy? Nonsense. The opening “Lake Land” starts off with a minimalist drum machine beat segueing with harmonious vocals, compelling rhythms and enough trumpet layering to satisfy. “Heart Mission” continues this instrumentation (sans the drum machine), and further affirms our ride with the lyrics:

Don’t trust your neighbors/or the papers/or the Media/or the Wikipedia/Just trust your heart/and hear your heart speak…

The spiritually probing element to this music only heightens the sense of what we’re listening to isn’t intended as some type of background noise or, conversely, created for casual consumption. “It All Comes Back Around” and “JT’s Lament” remind us core beliefs expressed through well-rehearsed song have the power to convey rich emotional content that playfully dares us to enjoy substance over mere shine. You believe it fully when Jim Brown sings I want to love above the hearty din of his band.

Rounding out the album with the nearly ten-minute instrumental “Disco,” this more free-flowing finisher calls to mind the best parts of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew or Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters. With Jim Brown’s trumpet guiding and breathing life into the pulsating drum, bass and supporting sounds, distinct harmonies shape this gem into a spectacularly pleasing piece of work.

The holloys have a February residency at the Echo - 1822 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 413-8200. The holloys will be playing for free every Monday night.