New York-based rockers Hollis Brown have been on a roll since the release of their debut album Ride on the Train from 2013. They’ve toured with bands like Citizen Cope, Counting Crows and Deer Tick. Their songs have been featured on popular TV shows like Shameless. And they’ve performed all over the world. But it shouldn’t be a surprise that they’ve had just such success, especially after such a catchy debut–an album that’s flooded with hits that stretch from indie-rock (as heard on “Ride on the Train” and “Down on Your Luck”) to a more Americana-blues (as heard on “Faith & Love” and “Hey Baby”).
Their second album Gets Loaded, which was released just the following year, introduced a more soulful-rock side to the band. The songs on this album have a more vintage tinge to them that are edgier and sexier than their debut. But switching up their vibe seems to be a trend for Hollis Brown, as their third album 3 Shots is more of an easy-listening, classic rock. The song “Highway 1” features country singer-songwriter Nikki Lane.
It’s been a while now since high school back in Queens, where members of Hollis Brown first met and decided upon their band name from a Bob Dylan song. But they don’t forget their roots. Given the chance to play a local show–whether a divey bar in the East Village, a warehouse gig in Greenpoint, or at Rough Trade in Williamsburg–they’re into it. And when they play, they play hard.
Rough Trade
5/5
w/ The Lawsuits
9 p.m.
$12
axs.com
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