'...There is a common thread that runs right through all the three albums by Glasgow band, Hollow Horse. Themes of hope, despair, loss, longing and love all twist and weave a rich tapestry over a total of thirty four songs. All in threads of many different and sometimes brilliant colours. This is a band well worth checking out. I look forward to their next record...'
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Stunning, Breathtaking, Amazing, Passionate, Intelligent, Happiness, Brilliant, Heartfelt, Moving, Uplifting, Overwhelming, Bright, Sharp, Sincere, Genuine, Warm, Deep, Inspiring......
I am, seriously, running out of superlatives to use for the Glaswegian band Hollow Horse (hollowhorse.co.uk) .

Honestly, I do not think they have received the appreciation they deserve! With their forthcoming, third album 'Escaping From A Submarine', is soon to be released there should be more superlatives added...

I had the privilege of listening to their new album, which is filled of nice surprises, wonderful lyrics and has a fantastic musical balance. The songs sound more (and I do not really like the word but I will use it anyway as I have not found the perfect word to describe what I am looking for) 'mature pop'. The album does not lack anything, quite the opposite - there is happiness, sadness, hope, joy... a wonderful pick-'n-mix bag of more Hollow Horse sweeties to carry around in your heart.

One song which caught my attention from the first time I heard it is 'I Think I Made You Up Inside My Head' (Chris Liddell on trumpet is beautiful). 'Bluebell Wood (Angela's Song)' is not what you might think it is - strong and powerful which has grown since I first heard the song.
'Run', 'Ours For The Taking', 'Beg', 'Under A Burning Star' and 'Sometimes Things Get Worse (Before They Can Get Better)' can all be listened to on their page at MySpace (myspace.com/hollowhorse)
'Loving You', 'Making Bricks Without Straw', 'Blindsided by Love' and the title track 'Escaping From A Submarine' are songs touching my heart and soul in different ways...
The album ends with the instrumental music from the film 'Bulletproof Suzy', honestly ending with an instrumental song is Brilliant! As it end up and complete a wonderful inspiring album.

If you can get a lassie, like me, who does not like to sing when there is anyone else around - actually who hate to sing out loud - but howl along the best she can to their songs, which are easy to sing along with - then you manage a big deal to break down millions of 'Berlin walls' around the world!

Kenny Little, Kenneth 'Kennybass' Anderson and Ian 'Stevo' Stevenson has done a fantastic and hard work producing this album! There have been a few unforeseen circumstances along the way, yet they have stand proud and kept going. Now they, hopefully, will receive their award of getting the album released and listened to around the world.

Like Hollow Horse previous albums; 'Five Year Diary' (released 2003) and 'Beggarstown' (released 2005) the new album is produced by Brian McNeil at Gravity Studios. 'Five Year Diary' and 'Beggarstown' are now available for purchase via iTunes and the bands official homepage (hollowhorse.co.uk).

Paul Rose, Daniel Wylie, Brian McFie, Davie Lennox, Chris Liddell and Danny Devine were a few who joined the guys in the studio and contributed the songs with their talents.

Hollow Horse new songs have also been played on Podcasts around the world, which is great!

Never before had one bands lyrics and music touched my heart and soul as deep as Hollow Horse. Kenny's songwriting has helped me put words into feelings of the experiences, thoughts, dreams and feelings I carried and carry through present times and past times. Of a total of 33 released songs plus 1 instrumental song there is only one song I did not always listen to from their first album until recently - more because I did not "connect" with the words.

Listening to music online via decrepit PC-speakers is not at all the same as listening to a CD on proper equipment. I therefore, wholeheartedly, recommend everyone to get your own copies of Hollow Horse three albums
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Featured Artist
 
Hollow Horse
Judging by the website, the professional artwork and packaging of their albums and by the quality of sound this band are definitely on the road to success. With 3 albums behind them of good quality and a decent label supporting their project you´re likely to hear them mentioned on upcoming gigs and some airplay. The band is made up of Kenny Little, Ian ´Stevo´ Stevenson and Kenneth C. Anderson, with a number of other guest appearances on their albums. Sticking to the lucky number 11, each of their albums is worth the investment with my money going on their latest album to hit the big time. There is something magical about getting a CD all wrapped up waiting to be heard. 3725 fans on myspace can´t be wrong however I do suspect that if each of them purchased an album these guys would not be asking me for a review. There is a distinct American market appeal about them, maybe its because their tracks are so polished you’d see your own reflection, or possibly its due to the obviously huge experience of the members who are just waiting for that big break that will send them on a world tour. Coming from the West Coast of Scotland has its drawbacks with a flood of new indie sounds coming from Scotland these guys may be seen as a little too safe and probably draw a lot of comparisons to Wet Wet Wet. Unfortunately trends are set by the soul sucking machine of Music TV and FM radio which will no doubt for the next couple of years see a number of bands jump on the bandwagon of cool, hip, skinny jeans, indie until it gets boring and something else comes along to be exploited. These guys are doing the right thing and sticking by their guns putting in the leg work to get their music out there. Comparisons of Paul Weller, Roy Orbison, Crowded House and Elvis Costello are all spot on across the piece.

Hollow Horse - Escaping from a Submarine

1. Run - Track has a country beat to it which gives the track an uplifting feel straight from the first beat. Strong vocals kick in adding more depth to the track with some nice guitar interludes which give it a very nice finished feel. This track isn´t your typical amateur band kind of stuff; it´s really professional and well structured. Lyrically fits perfect with the track with obvious time spent in a rehearsal room.

2. Ours for the Taking - This track really does give off a Beatles vibe and maybe is somewhat out of date. Use of numerous effects during the track add little to the piece and could be more limited. I imagine would be difficult to perform live. This track unfortunately doesn´t peak the heights you anticipate during the build up but is certainly a display of the diversity of the band musically. Whilst trying to be innovative it did at points come across as confused and didn´t work for me.

3. Loving You - First thing that popped into my head on seeing the name was Minnie Riperton - Lovin You (is easy ´cause your beautiful...ooooooooo!) Thankfully this track does not feature the singer trying to reach those hideous high notes and is actually much more Bruce Springsteen. Conjures up images of light blue jeans, white t-shirt and black leather jacket with smoke sailing into the air as the motorbike revs up. Great instrumental arrangement this time getting back to the strength of the first track, with a great Sunday driving feel. Uplifting track that, considering the lyrics are about a hurtful break up, is probably more a, \"Have some of that\" than a \"I want you back\" message.

4. Bluebell Wood (Angela´s song) - Love the acoustic sway of this song, vocally sounds great again, with my only criticism being the echo effect adding nothing. Lyrically provides a strong message against the media and the fascination with TV, I concur as I personally hate all red top newspapers and especially The Sun!

5. Making Bricks Without Straw - Further insight into the writers personal life, jilted love them coming in here surprisingly again with an upbeat backing track. Sounds off at times with the Blue Oyster Cult guitar melody added in at points not fitting in with the rest of the track. Slightly formula driven with the repetitive chorus like the previous track Fall, Fall, Fall too similar to the previous tracks ending of The Sun, The Sun, The Sun. Would like to hear it just stop, its better to burn out than fade away.

6. Beg - Slow moving track with more lyrics about jilted love. Obviously some lassie did a number on one of them and he really hates her. This kind of stuff is gold dust when aimed at the right audience. At times they feel slightly bare and whilst the chorus is a good catchy wee number the rest of the song doesn’t contribute a whole deal to the mood of this track. Nice guitar solo around the 3 minute mark and is the main reason to keep it on to hear the end, in fact had this been in the middle then it would make for a better song.

7. I Think I Made You up Inside my Head - Atmospheric start with haunting nature sets the scene of the morning after a particular vivid dream. Not my cup of tea and far too repetitive, like a slow dance track with no meat on the bones.

8. Blindsided by Love - Great little track which has some nice lyrics set against a more rock track after the previous mellow offering. Very much Roy Orbison influenced here, with a great slice of electric guitar to build the tempo.

9. Under a Burning Star - Has a feel of Bowie about it, short sweet ditty that ends before it began.

10. Escaping from a Submarine - Album titled track begins with the sounds of a submarine, not that I´ve been in many but I imagine that´s how it would sound. Acoustic guitar begins slowly with the vocals and drums coming in the get this song off to a great start. Lyrically overflowing in comparison to some of the other tracks and you can see why they choice to title the album with this track. Even the James Bond theme interlude makes me smile, clever use of the vocals rhymes hourglass with pass. Fades out in a true bond style with a little strum of the guitar.

11. Sometimes Things Can Get Worse Before They Can Get Better - Vocals show a gritty appeal in this song with the hook line. Sounds very Scottish and brings the listener up with the chorus, having to hold back from shouting along. Another great display of guitar with a solo before the 3 minute mark gives a real 80´s feel to this track and is clearly heavily influenced by the American artist mentioned previously.

12. (Bonus track) Music from the film \"Bullet-proof Suzy\" - Musical ditty to end off an enjoyable album.

Scottish Steve´s Verdict

These guys are obviously long runners in the music industry and not part of the myspace generation as they had no \"scene\" poses in their photo catalogue. Personally I like something slightly heavier however these tracks are definitely a somber mood listening orgy. Long drive or a really hard week would be the best time to play them, alternatively when Fathers day rolls around this would certainly make a welcome gift. I do hope these guys make it as they are honest, talented and hard working. Worth the price to purchase this through their impressively technical website and if you enjoy they have earlier releases which are of equal quality but maybe slightly less a complete package as this album.

 
Link - Hollow Horse

Reviewed by Scottish Steve
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Got the CD yesterday. Played it last night and . . . loved it. Beautiful sweet music. Honest, the work gets richer every time. Love it.  Yet another fabulous album.
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