HOLMES - s/t

Holmes brings it home. His fourth release(2 EPs and 2 full lengths) is a pinnacle in his development and evolution. So clear this fact is as it is hard to find fault with the material here. It is just outstanding piano driven pure pop with some great arrangements. Thick with sharp percussive rhythms, tinkling piano, great arrangements and, of course, hooks and unforgettable grit. Holmes is brimming with influences from 70s era American rock and The Beatles but is produced with an ear for multiple genres and personal touches, effortlessly moving from tender to hard grooving while always keeping a melodic core with Roy`sintimate voice as the anchor. Fans of Mike Viola, early Ben Folds, Jon Brion(listen to track #5 below), Michael Penn and ELO.

"There`s a humor, wistfulness and universality that would compare well with some of the best of Ben Folds or Beck." - LA Times "Mixing in pop influences as varied as Ben Folds, Jeff Lynne/ELO, Jellyfish, The Beatles, and maybe even a dash of Beck, he still manages to create an organic enough pop sound." - AbsolutePowerPop blog. "Say what you will about "pop" music; even the most adamant nay-sayers among us with astronomical standards of expectation cross paths with a guilty pleasure or two from time to time. The truth is, whether or not they`re out to change the world, some folks just write solid tunes. Such is the case with Holmes (aka Roy Shakked). His recent release, Stop Go, is a collection of 12 songs that offer something for the ear no matter what mood you`re in. The album has its fair share of toe-tapping sing-alongs, yet displays a depth on its slower ballad-esque moments that balances the feel nicely" Amplifer. EXTREMELY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Song #1 - mp3

Song #2 - mp3

Song #3 - mp3

Song #4 - mp3

Song #5 - mp3

Song #6 - mp3