Writer: Finn Maguire.
Contact Finn@southshoremuse.com for request.

Hands Off Love Affair, Bill's Bar, Dec 7, 2007


When I saw their name on the line-up, I thought to myself “I hope this band is as cool as their name.” They are.

HOLA claimed that this was their first gig ever, which is hard to believe considering how tight they are, how polished their sound is, and how accomplished each of the band members are at their instrument. Their vocalist not only has terrific range, but can vault between a clean, almost operatic rock vocal to a hardcore scream. Their excellent drummer generally keeps a quick pace, while the bass player contrasts that with a more plodding, almost stalking feel that helps anchor every song. The sound from the bass set-up was perfect this night – clean and bone-rattling - whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.

Each song was very different from the next, yet they manage to retain a defining sound throughout. I’m a sucker for a rock band with a trumpet, so when the singer busted out the brass for an emotional song about her late father, HOLA firmly cemented me as a fan.

If I may offer them a tidbit of advice – lay off asking the sound guy to adjust the monitor mix after every song - it makes it seem like either you're high maintenance or he's incompetent. Maybe ask nicely for adjustments after the first couple songs if you really need it (saying “for the love of God…” is not the ideal way to ask), and then just accept it for what it is, relax, and rip.

-Finn Maguire, Writer, SouthShoreMuse.com