The Psychedelic Sounds Of The Black Hollies

2013 Ernest Jennings Records

By M. Mucus

 

     Long time Jersey City heavy hitters The Black Hollies are probably the most well-known and well-received of the ex Rye Coalition bands that have been playing lately (Cold Fur, Life Eaters).  Maybe that is partly because The Black Hollies have the most ex Rye Coalition members in the band (three), but what is more likely is that there is such a musical distance between Rye Coalition and The Black Hollies.
     In 2006 The Black Hollies put out their first record, Crimson Reflections, a blend of 60's garage rock and soul.  Their latest offering Somewhere Between Here and Nowhere, is not so much a departure from the 60's garage sound they have been crafting, but more of an exploration into deeper aspects of the music singer and primary songwriter Justin Angelo Morey is so fond of. Their fourth record drifts deep into the reaches of The 13th Floor Elevators (sans jug playing), and bands like Can.  Heavily treated vocals, fuzz, delay and organ really dictate the noisy psyched out sound.
     Morey wrote these songs for his recently wedded wife, Ashley Anderson Morey who is now playing bass in The Black Hollies. Herb Wiley is still on lead guitar, Jon Gonnelli is playing organ and serving as multi-instrumentalist, while Nick Ferrante’s hard hitting drums still help to keep the Black Hollies’ live shows as exciting as ever. The slightly reworked structure has translated into a bit more of a modern sound. The Black Hollies have forever seemed frozen in time, firmly rooted, if not cemented in that garage rock sound- and don’t get me wrong, it makes for a fun band to listen to as well as see.  However, this more free sounding album lets the band spread its wings and it results in both a tasteful and earnest output that gives the listener a sense of ownership, a feeling not that this is music borrowed from another time, but it is Now, and it is Ours and that is why NJ Skeletons thinks it’s one of the best records of 2013.

      The record starts out with a bit of noise and then one of the freaking catchiest guitar hooks ever on “No Illusion”, and its instantly danceable beat right off the bat separates this record from other Black Hollies records. Spacey organ puts you right into that dream-like state and it keeps you there for the whole ride. It becomes so easy to drift away into this record. The second track “Unless It’s My Imagination” keeps the dance beat going. It’s clear on this album that the boys and girl in The Black Hollies are just having fun playing and that innocence appears in many different forms throughout the LP. “Benevolent Beacon” the third track, on the record is a much more traditional sounding Black Hollies song, its beauty and heartfelt lyrics are both refreshing and sweet.  Live, when Morey sings “please let me show you that your mine.” to his wife, bassist Ashley Anderson Morey the entire room can see his heart pouring into hers. “When It’s Time To Come Down” closes side A of the LP, it’s a bit of an oddball which makes it one of the coolest songs on the record, the walking vocal melody gives it a bit of 90’s BritPop feel, but the organ and dreamlike textures help to keep it rooted thematically with the rest of the record showcasing some of the more interesting departures this record takes.
      As the theme of love being like a dream continues to permeate through the listening experience on side B, instrumental tracks like “Frontwards And Backwards” help you to slip deeper into the record. The gorgeous “Where Do We Go From Here” is a high point of the album, a gem buried in fuzz and reverb. The second side is wrapped up with “Lunatic Influenza” a three part collection of songs that flow into each other in a sort of abbey road-esque way. It’s highlighted by the trippy middle offering “Take Me As I Am” and ends with the organ and noise of a delayed train conductor speaking.  It’s a perfect way to wake from a dream

     …But that’s not it! The Ernest Jennings Recording Company has put out 2013's Somewhere Between Here and Nowhere, as they have done with all of the Black Hollies’ releases, and the LP packaging is truly awesome. The inner sleeve as well as the center sticker on the record is a psychedelic spiral which looks amazing and works great with the dreamlike themes of the record. Just like a lot of old Long Presses, you get a true Extended Press, a free 7" which serves as side C and D of the album. Side D is a cool cut, “Here Comes The Rain” but its Side C that steals the show. The title track “Somewhere Between Here And Nowhere” is one of the strongest songs on the whole record and epitomizes all of what makes the record great, tender heartfelt lyrics, dreamy textured organ, a solid rhythm section and a catchy vintage hook.

The Black Hollies are playing a bunch in support of the record. I would strongly advise catching one of their shows.  In the mean time you can get the record directly from Ernest Jennings, Here.