Sydney band Hoolahan may have played infrequently over the years, yet they remain the cosmic North Star of the local indie rock scene – guiding the way with their thrilling guitar interplay and unimpeachable melodic compass.
Their third studio album BAY OF CHANCE – released on Wayne Connolly’s Scenic Drive Records – is a beautiful parade of sophisticated songs and lyrical laments that ring with hope in times of uncertainty.
The album came together over a series of writing and recording sessions, with songwriters David Orszaczky and Tim Kevin swapping ideas via post and in-person. Canberra natives and lifelong friends with an enduring musical chemistry, David and Tim allowed the songs to develop and fall into place – compiling the keepers from a range of new material developed since their last full-length release Casuarina (2017).
The result is a gentle landing – an unhurried collection of songs selected for mood and flow that showcases their upbeat melodic guitar roots as well as venturing into more dreamlike, reflective and cinematic territory.
Opening the evening are North ‘Gong locals Doldrums. Comprising musical compadres Michi Hirzel (Sealife Park, Spiderling) and Matt Steffen (Decoder Ring, Toby Martin, Jim Moginie’s Electric Guitar Orchestra) - Doldrums blend guitars, drum machines and drones with occasional synths and hazy vocals to create dreamy, meandering songs.