Holly Golightly and The Brokeoffs are about to release their fourth album, although Holly herself has been a part of close to 15 albums both as a solo artist and as a part of various groups, during her 20-year career. She received her moniker from her mother, who named her after a character in the film, Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Her real name is Holly Smith, which I have to admit dies not sound as good. Just for the record, she is not connected to the comic book artist of the same name.
Holly and The Brokeoffs are actually a duo. She is joined by multi-instrumentalist/vocalist/songwriter Lawyer Dave. Together they form one of the more eclectic groups or duos on the music scene today.
Their music is basically a garage sound that contains elements of country, pop, rock and even a little rhythm & blues. It is catchy and entrancing in an odd sort of way. The lyrics are often witty while the music is melodic. Holly’s vocal style is an acquired taste. Lawyer Dave, who provides the lead vocal on several of the tracks, is more mainstream in approach. Together they co-wrote nine of the 12 tracks. My only criticism of the release is I would have appreciated some liner notes telling fans about the band and their music.
The uptempo material seems a better fit than the ballads and the album’s lead track is a perfect example of that fact. “No Help Coming” has a chuga-chuga beat with sparse production that fits the duo's sound well. The second track, “The Rest Of Your Life,” is an odd song. If you are familiar with the '60s girls group, The Shangri-Las, just imagine them singing while under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs.
The old rhythm & blues song, “Here Lies My Love,” is given an ominous feel that is straight out of the American blues. Lawyer Dave’s vocal on “You’re Under Arrest” is strong and pleasurable.
The album’s best track is the old Bill Anderson country song, “Lord Knows We’re Drinking,” and fits their style well. The lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, and their dual vocals are an excellent fit. They maintain the song's basics but modernize it in a good way.
The album’s final track is a cover of Wavy Gravy’s “L.S.D. (Rock and Roll Prison),” which brings the affair to a fitting close.
No Help Coming is a nice introduction to the quirky nature of Holly Golightly and The Brokeoffs. If you are in the mood for something different and are willing to take a chance, this is an album for you.
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