New Zealander Blair Hollands has been building up a reputation for some time now, touring with Ed Harcourt and having his music featured on Channel 4 series Teachers. Violent Love is a remarkably self-assured debut EP, with Strokes producer Gordon Raphael overseeing proceedings.
Jangly guitars, space-age keyboard effects and a stirring brass section all combine on the title track, with Holland's voice reminiscent of Stephen Jones of Babybird (remember them?). Touches of Bowie and The Boo Radleys can also be heard, and it all adds up to an infectious whole.
The other tracks on the EP are equally impressive, and El Hula's forthcoming album should be worth looking out for.
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