1..hollys kite..
2..floating..
3..it's not me..
4..descend..
5..heaven or hell..
6..beyond the stars..
7..sweetest moment..
8..it's not me (reprise)..
9..kite..
10..adrift..
11..ascension..
12..coming home..
13..legacy..

Somewhere between acoustic based progressive rock and creative singer/songwriter material lies the music of Blow Up Hollywood. Their debut album, which offers no insight into the music or the band members is a stark look at life, death and what lies beyond and between.

Their music is textured with strings and samples throughout the album, but it has a very "organic" feel to it. To say that poignant lyrics and emotive instrumentals are the highlight of this album would only serve the music as a whole a
grave injustice.

This is an album of cohesion, precision execution and thought provoking messages- both lyrically and musically.

The instrumentation on the album is acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, synth, bass, drums, cello, violin, viola and trumpet. The lack of member credits indicate the album and the band are about the sum of Blow Up Hollywood, not the individuals themselves.

Blow Up Hollywood will appeal to fans of Godspeed You Black Emperor! and Sigur Ros solely for the "Sonic" production of the album. There are times when the album reminds me of the early acoustic based Pink Floyd songs,
depth and atmospherics are abundant on this album. This is not to say it's been done before, as it is indeed a refreshingly original piece of work.

In this age of polished productions, MTV glitter and mass marketing campaigns and tours, it's great to see a band of such talent re kindle a lost art form, which is the art of listening.

Sit back and take the trip with Blow Up Hollywood, you may not want to come back.

This is an independent release.

http://www.blowuphollywood.com

Review by Lew Fisher