"Borderline" by Toronto based Hollow Graves and from their sophomore full length "Mid Century Modern" (January 2022) is in some ways a sparkly sonic quandary. It has it's full tilt sprinting feet set firmly in indie rock cement but the punchy winding bass lines and fast forward drumming suggest sort of 90's Goth pop while the soaring guitar work and distorted synths feel sort of 2000's desert rock. The vocal lilt, melodies have a hint of doo wop punk and while you would not define this sound as alt rock, in total the sound is wonderfully heavy with sprinkles of 70's psychedelic tones dashed in as well. The cross generational blend works, it is captivating.
The band shares that the song "is a story about a person whose personal struggles are being spread to friends and family in a negative way. Even though you may try to help a struggling friend, you might not be able to affect positive change until they can help themselves first.”
"Mid Century Modern" is the first full length since the Hollow Graves' lauded eponymous 2018 debut album. It touches on, was inspired by "life life events before and during the pandemic" and while it is sometimes drawn darkly it offers sonic reflections of hope as well.
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:
https://www.facebook.com/thehollowgraves/
https://www.instagram.com/hollowgraves/
https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/hollow-graves/1435264346
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GCC4WJAlcF2fkUXOgY8Uz
“Brilliantly balanced between dream pop, new-wave, and post-punk, Toronto Hollow Graves just might be our newest obsession. After discovering their most recent single “Far Out Summer,” we came across their incredible self-titled debut, released back in 2018 – it was there where their punk background shone through, especially gorgeously heavy tracks “Soda” and “Moonlighting” that illuminate not only the darkness in their tone, but the innate dreaminess that lingers as well. Since then, there’s been alterations in overall sound, but thankfully, that incredible tension they began with is still there – “Tequila Sunrise,” their first single of 2020, feels like a sister track to “Far Out Summer,” given the similar interplays between vocals and instrumentals that feel nothing short of euphoric. And yet, they have their differences – the former is a bold, yet vulnerable rager (with vocals I still can’t get out of my head), while the latter is an atmospheric, quietly visceral ballad. Both, however, are absolutely worth your time.” – Kid With a Vinyl
https://www.facebook.com/thehollowgraves/
https://www.instagram.com/hollowgraves/
https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/hollow-graves/1435264346
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GCC4WJAlcF2fkUXOgY8Uz
“Brilliantly balanced between dream pop, new-wave, and post-punk, Toronto Hollow Graves just might be our newest obsession. After discovering their most recent single “Far Out Summer,” we came across their incredible self-titled debut, released back in 2018 – it was there where their punk background shone through, especially gorgeously heavy tracks “Soda” and “Moonlighting” that illuminate not only the darkness in their tone, but the innate dreaminess that lingers as well. Since then, there’s been alterations in overall sound, but thankfully, that incredible tension they began with is still there – “Tequila Sunrise,” their first single of 2020, feels like a sister track to “Far Out Summer,” given the similar interplays between vocals and instrumentals that feel nothing short of euphoric. And yet, they have their differences – the former is a bold, yet vulnerable rager (with vocals I still can’t get out of my head), while the latter is an atmospheric, quietly visceral ballad. Both, however, are absolutely worth your time.” – Kid With a Vinyl
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We get by with a little help from his friends
Hollow Graves, indie rock, Toronto, dark, dreamy, sophomore album, "Mid Century Modern" , blend, post punk, Goth Pop, doo wop punk, Canada, new wave tones, cross generational sound,
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