Hollow Shift – Electric Gloom

If you’ve been paying attention to our pages in recent years, then you probably stumbled upon our articles about the Hollow Shift, an incredible duo based in Athens, Greece. Consisting of Jessica Bell (composition and vocals) and Alexander Zamparas (composition and production), this powerhouse proves that the contemporary scene still has much to offer and even surprises the audience with many brilliant ideas and exciting sonic maneuvers, threaded into catchy, memorable, and fascinating songs. The best part about their activities is that the duo continuously levitates between different yet complementary music genres, offering a consistent, rock-solid sound without sacrificing their desire to experiment. And even when you think they have spent all the tools, ideas, and weaponry in their sonic arsenal, Hollow Shift finds ways to impress us even more. That’s the case with their new double single, consisting of marvelous songs such as “Electric Gloom” and “Fire And Smoke.” Arriving after “Reload,” a brilliant extended play release that we’ve covered before, and singles like “Don’t Bend The Line” and “Thoughts Of Everywhere,” their latest effort also represents their fourth piece of work this year, proving that these experienced musicians are pushing their sound further at a vigorous pace. And the best part about it is how they do not lose any quality. Quite the contrary, with each new release, they seem more confident and creative, and all while experimenting with their impressive, already established sound.

Hollow Shift are known for their logical yet unexpected blends of music genres, a trait that decorates every piece of work they’ve released so far. That’s the case with these two tracks as well. While the duo leans much more towards post-punk sound with this release, as all the fundamental elements of the genre are vividly hearable in the mix from scratch to finish, you’ll also notice how some of the finest properties borrowed from darkwave, coldwave, shoegaze, dream pop, alternative, and indie found their way into this ear-appealing sonic equation. These experimentations with various styles, approaches, techniques, and directions resulted in two exceptional compositions that perhaps shine with pleasant darkness yet offer those dreamy, cozy, relaxing melodies that immediately transport you to a completely different realm. Those are the moments where Hollow Shift’s writing, composing, arranging, and producing abilities shine in the limelight, proving that the duo left no stone unturned while crafting a material that will appeal to even the pickiest fans of the mentioned music genres. They’re one of those music outlets fully aware of all their abilities and powers, employing everything at their disposal to deliver emotionally resonant songs that immediately tackle all the senses. Each composition packs many moments where you’ll wish to return and experience all those vocal harmonies, sonic maneuvers, and rhyhtmic patterns all over again.

“Electric Gloom” captures the experience of being awake while the city sleeps. It’s a song for the late-night walks, lonely car drives, or contemplation on the balcony while staring at the city skyline. Hollow Shift are masters in storytelling, as they paint a vivid imagery through their lyrics that immediately grabs you by the collar and forces you to think about it. Jessica Bell’s beautiful voice narrates the story with all those calm, soothing, relaxing etereal harmonies, preparing you for the epic sonic voyage, built upon jangly, angular, reverby chord progressions, melodies, and themes. The way her voice and guitars work together goes beyond comprehension so many times throughout the entire track. In the meantime, you’ll also notice how all those lush synth pads and leads complement guitars, offering more depth, warmth, and space. The rhythm section plays a significant role here, as the vividly hearable, warm-sounding, intricate basslines offer groove, clarity, and depth while the perfectly programmed, well-accentuated beats deliver relentless pace and power, acting as a counterbalance to all those calm, soothing, relaxing guitar melodies. These are the moments where Hollow Shift’s songwriting and composing shine in the limelight, as each segment offers more than enough sonic and rhythmic maneuvers that will convince you to place this gem at the top of your playlist.

“Fire And Smoke” arrives as a natural extension of “Electric Gloom,” but it also seems like it’s a far more complex song, thanks to Alexander Zamparas’s musicianship and production. Somehow, this marvelous composition expands their sonic vocabulary without even spoiling the initial thematics of the release. Actually, it dives even deeper into darker existential territory, confronting the disillusionment and fragility of humanity with stark imagery. Of course, the sonic backdrop is equally important in this equation, and the duo amazes once again with their ideas and musicianship. The way Jessica Bell’s voice shines during each segment, seamlessly balancing all those low, mid, and high notes, goes beyond comprehension. Somehow, she manages to remain in calm registers yet delivers higher notes when the song needs it the most, making “Fire And Smoke” such a beautiful piece of sonic artistry. Throughout the entire track, the basslines are more dominant, guitars shine with tastefully distorted riffs and reverby themes, and rhyhtmic patterns are more punchy, groovy, and detailed. It leans more into post-punk waters yet carries more than enough darkwave and dream pop elements you could possibly handle after one listening. Such a brilliant piece that will definitely appeal to even the pickiest listeners.

Hollow Shift is an incredible duo that never ceases to amaze with its music, but with “Electric Gloom,” they’ve pushed their sound even further, proving they’re one of the most creative music outlets on the contemporary scene. If you love your post-punk/darkwave/dream pop music packed with beautiful vocal harmonies, catchy guitar works, intricate basslines, and energetic rhythmic patterns, this double single will be right up your alley. Check it out as soon as possible, because it will become one of your favorite releases this year.