By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night
Album Review: Electric Hollers Rise- Release date June 4, 2018–no label
Rock At Night covered the release of Electric Holler’s album Rise in May at Neushoorn Leeuwarden, The Netherlands on May 9, 2018. Now, I actually sat back and gave the album a whirl, and I have to say, I am totally diggin’ it! I would describe their sound as “dirty blues” with a distinct 60s garage rock sound—even psychedelic at times. The Dutch trio Tim Birkenholz (vocals, guitar), Inge DeVries (bass), and Max Mollema (drums) have definitely channeled deep into the retro rock sound, which is becoming more and more prominent among young bands today. People seem to be yearning for real rock, real lyrics, and playing vinyl on a turntable. They are done with electronic sampling and are reviving roots rock.
Listening to Rise, you’ll get the feeling of the “epic deep track” sound of the 60s, when songs were six minutes in length, and felt more like a live jam. Songs like “Levee” starts off with a slide guitar (there’s lots of bends and hammer-ons), giving the song that Mississippi Delta sound, but then melds into a groovin’ 60s rock music, with the traditional lead guitar solo in the middle. The song “Rise” is similar in feeling, but has a really funky bass line that syncopates with the drums, cool guitar riffs, and a real psychedelic tone.
The country slide-guitar in the bluesy “Give a Damn” starts off slowly but then crescendos into a heavy, hard rock fever. “These Times” is a slow and sultry blues song, which gives one the illusion of dancers grinding in the smoky bar. Very sexy! The last song “Out of Your Daze” is really not in the same vein of the rest of the album, with drums and bass projecting a Latin dance beat, coupled with reverb guitar. If you like Santana’s style, you’ll love this song!
Overall, Electric Holler is a welcome surprise—and I really look forward to hearing more from this band. I’m lovin’ the dirty blues-rock sound. It makes me imagine in my head Easy Rider, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and Steppenwolf. You get the picture.
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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