Academy Songs, Volume 1 shows Holopaw at its best, interweaving lyrical tales of schoolboy discovery with intimate acoustic and electric guitar melodies. The record is set at an all-boys prep academy where themes of loyalty, desire and isolation are all-consuming.
The first track, “Academy,” contrasts with the rest of the LP, sounding more like a live venue recording rather than a polished studio product. However, it does give listeners a preview of Ryan Quinney’s exceptional drumming skills. As demonstrated in this song, Quinney favors tom-tom drums over the cymbals, adding variety and power to the otherwise mellow recordings.
“Golden Sparklers” is the true gem, with poetic storytelling lyrics, chanting backing vocals and dynamic electric guitar and drums. Songwriter John Orth sings of a war he’s losing “to a little dark horse who’s steady rising through the ranks,” after he is forced into exile across the lake. Quinney supports the emotional journey by strategically switching from emphasis on the cymbals to emphasis on the toms. Separated rhythmic strums and broken chords give the song a distinctive sound.
The band does sacrifice some of its eccentricity heard in earlier albums for a softer organic sound. But listeners can’t complain. The songwriting is still as metaphorical and unusual as before, almost to a fault at times. Listeners will also have to forgive the absence of some of the band’s subtle country edge in the name of rock.
Overall, Academy Songs, Volume 1 leaves listeners craving a Volume 2. But for now, fans can keep finding new reasons to love the band’s newest release.
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