Live Show Review: The Black Hollies

(photo by Alyssa DeHayes)

It was a dark and stormy Tuesday night. Well, not exactly. It was more like a dark and drizzly Tuesday night. The kind of night that makes you want to go to sleep at 9 o'clock just because it's so boring. But while most people were holed up at home, avoiding the rain and doing all that boring middle of the week stuff, The Black Hollies were rocking the crowd at the Caledonia Lounge.



This Jersey City quartet set the tone of their set with an energetic, instrument-driven opener. Directly following this song was a funkier, up-beat tune that had hipsters in the crowd doing that quick-stepping, head-bobbing, arm-swinging dance. And the dancing never stopped. Jumping back and forth from 60s-inspired psych rock to groovy, funkier tunes (and all kinds of other good stuff), there was not a dull moment - or song - during the show. 

The Black Hollies didn't rest for a second in their 40 minute set.  The started out full speed ahead and continues plugging along song after song, often drifting into insanely fast drum solos and mini jam sessions.  All four members played their instruments with a skill that speaks to their affinity for rock 'n roll classics.

One of the last songs play, "Paisley Pattern Ground," was a highlight of The Black Hollies' set, showcasing both lead vocalist Justin Morey's strong but pleasant voice and the rest of the band's instrumental ability.

Check out this The Black Hollies' new LP,  Softly Towards The Light, on October 6th.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "On the Sly" by Metric
 
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