Album Review: Drew Davies – Holloway Nights

The Breakdown

A late night ode to the 80's that sounds fresh and more importantly, absolutely brilliant.

– 9.2

Somewhat of a Backseat Mafia favourite Drew Davies gathered together friends old and new to record Holloway Nights an “almost conceptual; a year in the life of Holloway Road, London”

First track and single ‘Bitter End’ is a fantastic way to start, an 80’s tribute of deep throbbing bass and soaring Bowie like vocals that engage and grab hold. The raging rock backdrop hits like they used to, and the energetic chorus and face melting solos all riding a sound wave of world ending drums.

Another single ‘the Comeback’ is a scorching rock track which brings in striking synths to highlight the bridge before Davies lets the vocal cords fly on the chorus. It’s over the top brilliance that sounds amazing when cranked up. Two tracks in and this is already on my list for album of the year.

With the foot off the pedal slightly we are treated to some Spanish style acoustic to open the cool and urban sounding ‘Codename Softboi’. The slick and accomplished production can really be heard on this track. There is a nice separation of instruments and an understanding of how they all go to achieve the overall sound. There is no muddiness or sludgy bass and mids. Just crisp clear throb of the bass and punchy drums and huge guitars and of course Davies’s phenomenal vocals.

The relaxed ‘You’re the only One’ features a more calmer approach with vocals that reach all the way through the speakers over the steady wash of bass led music and some intricate guitar wizardry. ‘Bad Girl’ brings things down tone wise with its low down synth work and a booming bass give this track a hard sonic punch. ‘Heavy Manners’ follows in the same vein although with adlibbed vocals that are dripping in attitude and vitriol. There’s space on here low down that makes the track feel lighter then the rest of the tracks on this album.

The albums picks up with the classic rock of title track, ‘Holloway Nights’. A riff heavy guitar led sliced rock that’s sounds like Davis has let the drummer run wild as he steals the show with some seriously impressive drum work. Matched by the stomping guitar playing that delivers a smoking solo that rips through the chaotic drum and bass backing.

A late night ode to love with a twist ‘Should have known better’ is a glorious synth led rock track with the perfect tag line as it fades out. The Bowie style refrains and quirky guitar solo just adds to the mystique and the steady pace of the track. ‘In The Name’ brings the album to a close the seductive mutterings over tight bass lines with a hint of desperation creeps in on the verses before it all explodes on the slow strung out chorus.

With some of the best vocals committed to tape, this 80s inspired album demonstrates that going your own way and doing what you want to do is the best option. Davies doesn’t bow down and morph himself into something that would fit. Instead he went away and made the best album he can on his terms. What he has delivered is a masterpiece full of glorious storylines introduced over shimmering late night melodies

Check out the track, You’re The Only One Foe Me, below: