The Happy Hollows – Imaginary EP Review
The Happy Hollows are a band out of LA with their digital press promoter, telling fans of Kim Deal, Debbie Harry and Karen O take notice. First and foremost from those 3 comparisons, it’s clear this band is female fronted but are those comparisons fair?
The first track Lieutenant starts off with a Yeah Yeah Yeahs esque riff but it’s clear from the outset that Sarah Negahdari’s range in vocals have the potential to top Karen O. It is very Karen O-esque with shouting and bass lines that scream Yeah Yeah Yeahs comparisons. It’s when Sarah sings in a more traditional voice where she really wins me over. There’s really no need to be like Karen O which I kind feel like she is trying to emulate. She could probably steal a show herself.
Being an EP, the 5 tracks only give a slight peek into what the Happy Hollows could be. In fact, they could be better then the YYYs then when all is said and done. Why? A track like Labyrinth, which features the vocals of another member (male – I don’t know which one). Musically it’s the same style but it gives them more flexibility and adds a true dynamic. It’s also a really upbeat track musically.
I feel like the Happy Hollows could be huge or very successful. This EP isn’t perfect and they come off as very raw and lackluster in some sections. On Tambourine an ambitious rocking track, puts way too much weight on Negahdari’s shoulders and she is unable to make the track a stand out and is filtered out despite her best efforts. Some sections could have really stole the show, her attempt to whistle in somewhat adorable was drowned out. I do admire the effort in creativity, they really are striving for it even if it proves that it sometimes doesn’t work out.
That’s probably the lowlight of the album as everything is pretty solid and while the comparisons still exist they are more then capable of shedding that off with a major release. I recommend checking out The Happy Hollows.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Tags: EP
Ummm, bro, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs don’t have a bassit. So how could the basslines scream Yeah Yeah Yeahs?