Album Review: Holly Golightly 'Slowtown Now!'

Singer-songwriter Holly Golightly’s career has spanned 25 years and more than twenty albums. On September 11th, Golightly returns with her first full-band effort in over a decade, Slowtown Now!. The album reunites Holly with her longstanding band of guitarists Ed Deegan and Bradley Burgess, bassist Matt Radford and drummer Bruce Brand.

Recorded at London’s Gizzard Studios, the twelve song project was entirely written by Golightly, sans for one cover (“Fool Fool Fool”), and is permeated by a 1960’s feel. The collection kicks off with “Seven Wonders” a truly groovy tune that makes you feel like doing The Shimmy or The Swim. The rest of the tracks are all gems that shine in their own unique way. The jazzy (trombone!), shuffling 1920’s melody of “Frozen In Time” finds her singing seductively, “Even though I’ve tried, I can’t seem to find any way to leave you behind.” That same melodic theme is continued in “Empty Space” which prominently features the bass.

Haunting melodies can be found in “Catch Your Fall” and “Forevermore” which emits a twangy, yet dark vibe. “Stopped My Heart” adds a touch of psychedelic swagger while “What You See” has a rockabilly feel. “As You Go Down” returns us to the easy going 1960’s with hand claps and a spunky sassiness. “Grin on your face that you just can’t ignore/And that knife in your back will be turning some more/May it all become clear as you reach out your hand hoping for someone just to keep you standing as you go down.” Rounding out the album is “When I Wake,” whose female harmonies bring to mind the girl groups of the era, and “Slowtown,” about taking a break from the fast paced road life.

Most of the songs on Slowtown Now! hover under and around the three minute mark which makes for a quick succession of songs; songs that are distinctive, infectious, and delightful. 

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