Holloway
The Feeble Hearts Of Man
(Self-Release)
Michigan’s Holloway contacted me about a review a couple of weeks ago, which certainly isn’t out of character for me. Many bands do the same, yet several of them do not elicit responses (either because I’m too busy, or because the material just wasn’t all that great) and I’m sure the case is no different from other reviewers. However, I’ve been listening to progressive metal as long as I’d say, anyone in this business and something about these gentlemen really seemed to stick. Mainly that’s in the composition itself, which reminded me of the work of mid-era Dream Theater and early James Labrie (post Mullmuzzler) as well as stuff like Tool or Karnivool. The album seemed to carry a certain spark within it that just felt a bit genuine. These guys may not look like much at first, but when you get a load of this recording, you’re going to be quite amazed. Not only that, the production value on the disc was strikingly good and left me quite a bit more entertained than I would have previously expected.
Holloway are actually great at building atmosphere, which works well for them on songs like “Daylight” and “I Remain Silent” as each feature sections of Latin percussion as well as dazzling keyboards. Ross Morgan’s vocal approach glides fairly well through these shiny atmospheres, even though he might not have the easiest tone on the ears at first. I’d actually prefer it a bit more to James Labrie however, it’s not quite so nasally. Such an approach is nearly essential here, where much of the composition is verse/chorus and the band do not necessarily go into twenty-minute prog jams. With Holloway, the progressive section of the act more or less acts as a type of backbone, regardless of the fact that most of the cuts are down-tuned and quite contemporary. In addition to this contemporary rock feel, there are two short ballads (Spirit of The Depths and Spirit Of The Void, respectively) showing listeners that it doesn’t necessarily pump out quite as much heavy metal as you might like to hear in most areas.
It’s even difficult to really call it “heavy metal” or “progressive metal” as so much of this contemporary/alternative rock influence has been injected directly into it. With a group of guys that take influence from acts like The Mars Volta and A Perfect Circle, The Feeble Hearts Of Man is definitely not a pulse-pounding pummeler. That being said, it does offer some hefty moments, particularly on opener “A Nameless Fear” which works well enough to show the band’s rowdy side. The record is available for free download from the band’s website, but if you like the music you’ve heard here and want Holloway to go further, you are encouraged to donate. I feel that there’s quite a bit of promise here and would recommend a listen at least. You just might be a bit surprised with this little DIY effort.
Purchase The Feeble Hearts Of Man here.
