Category:
Rock / Pop

Try if you like:
Babyshambles, Cribs, Kooks

The Holloways are a new band invading North America by way of England. So This Is Great Britain is their debut (originally released last year in the UK) and they are bragging that it was the #1 UK Indie Album and the single "Generator" made it to #14 on the UK Single chart. Not a small feat. BUT, is the album any good or is this a one hit wonder band? 

The album starts out with the strong title track. But it really is their single "Generator" that is the best track of the set. It's got a typical British feel to it. With this song and the next, "Dancefloor", they have a huge similarity to that of The Kooks and a slightly toned down Cribs. "Dancefloor" is a good song and a good contender for their second single. And after "Fit For A Fortnight" you can tell that these guys love their pop. It's the sort of thing that just feels good. "Two Left Feet" is another one of these pop songs. By this time, if you haven't tired of the pop sound, you will either be sold on The Holloways or have decided that it is way too easy going for you.

Some songs just plain suck though. "Malcontented One" is one of those. They mix in a harmonica into a pop song and it just doesn't work. And it seems like The Holloways have padded the front of the album with their best songs. It is a 16 song album, quite ambitious for a debut album.

So This Is Great Britain isn't a horrible debut but it doesn't rank as one of the better releases from the UK. Given time the songs may have better sticking potential. I'd keep my eye on The Holloways though. They seem to have potential for some great chops.