Blow Up Hollywood
Lewis M. Fisher | Arden, NC. USA | 06/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Somewhere between acoustic based progressive rock and creative
singer/songwriter material lies the music of Blow Up Hollywood. Their debut album, which offers no insight into the music or the band members is a stark look at life, death and what lies beyond and between. Their music is textured with strings and samples throughout the album, but it has a very "organic" feel to it. To say that poignant lyrics and emotive instrumentals are the highlight of this album would only serve the music as a whole a grave injustice. This is an album of cohesion, precision execution and thought provoking messages- both lyrically and musically.The instrumentation on the album is acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, synth, bass, drums, cello, violin, viola and trumpet. The lack of member credits indicate the album and the band are about the sum of Blow Up Hollywood, not the individuals themselves.Blow Up Hollywood will appeal to fans of Godspeed You Black Emperor! and Sigur Ros solely for the "Sonic" production of the album. There are times when the album reminds me of the acoustic based Pink Floyd songs, depth and atmospherics are abundant on this album. This is not to say it's been done before, as it is indeed a refreshingly original piece of work.In this age of polished productions, MTV glitter and mass marketing
campaigns and tours, it's great to see a band of such talent re kindle a
lost art form, which is the act of listening.Sit back and take the trip with Blow Up Hollywood, you may not want to come back.Thanks for your time,Lew Fisher"
What a beautiful emotional journey
swriter7 | New Jersey | 06/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a great and new experience, this band and album are just great and in my top ten of all time. A bit hard to explain but imagine a mix of acoustic PFloyd, Porcupine Tree and Dsshboard Convessional BUT a highly original album indeed. This album can not be classified and brings together atmospheric themes with a bit of progressive rock as well as a modern rock sound, how the band does this is mind blowing!!!!The album is a concept piece and ties together life and death and is simply amazing. Floating is a song about going from one place to the next under the life and death theme of the album and is a great song. It's Not me is a touching song and how Sweetest Moment never hit in the modern rock charts is beyond me. Kite is another great song about the theme of the album. The album also features a few instrumentals with strings featured a great cellist.Again, this is an emotional filled journey and beautiful album that crosses genres of music and has to be listened to or you may miss out on one of the best bands of the decade. Then pick up the new cd, Fake which is also wonderful!!!"