Set for HOLLYWOOD Stardom

So, I was lent this 4-track demo CD of a local band called “Hollywood Tease” who I’d already heard of, but was slightly worried at the prospect of them being just another whiney Stoke band. But, taking it in good faith, I gave ‘em a whirl and was genuinely and pleasantly surprised.
Over the past two years, all of a sudden came this whole new cultural way of life, by means of “Emo”, which has certainly affected and somewhat tainted and tarnished the music industry, seeing everyone cashing in on it (Lord knows why), but luckily, “Hollywood Tease” aren’t following the herd. Our faith can be restored at last! This is a band with local talent giving us local hope.
The CD cover to their mini-EP resembles QOTSA’s “Songs for the Deaf” album artwork but this is no insight into the music, compared to Queens, they’re more clean and polished, but this is no bad thing. HT are quite glam rock; definitely in terms of their get-up, I think I’d go as far to say they’re our very own (Potteries) Darkness. The band very much adopts the good old rock way of life; believing in the sanctity of sex; drugs and rock ‘n’roll (of course!). Their ethos highlights possible inspirations such as KISS and G ‘n’R, also coming across in their music. It’s imperative nowadays for every band to have a MySpace site to establish themselves, and even their profile states that they’re all for: “SOCO, JD, glam metal, sex, porn, sleeping all day and partying all night”. Another great thing about this band is that they’re neither overly arrogant nor ambitious, they have just the right balance and are truly dedicated to their Stoke fan base, playing frequently in the area and have already repeatedly headlined at The Sugarmill. Hot stuff.
Their self-titled demo really is produced to the highest of standards and beyond, for the expectations of a local act. But that’s part of the shine to this five-some; they’re actually professional, aspiring to be bigger things; middle finger to the world of rock. They take it seriously, and it shows in the finished article.
From the first thirty seconds of “Sweet Dreams”, I was reminded of the band “Hundred Reasons” due to the well orchestrated guitar riffs, to the pronounced and powerful vocals. Then, you get this grittier, yet also melodic guitar playing to match the strength of singer Ashe, and thank God they’re not emo screamers for a change sounding like feedback. They’re refreshing and spunky.
Another wonderful thing about this 4 song sampler is that it has the head-nodding, feet tapping factor to it, which is only to be amplified when performing live shows. What with its raunchy bass, guitar clenching sounds and reeling drum pounds, and not forgetting the lyrics, they can’t help but be catchy whilst still having those balls of rock! However, the third track, “Dirty Days” featuring a similar intro to the classic “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi, is more of a rock ballad which is backed up by some well composed solos to help you envisage these guys up on the big stadiums of rock, with cannons, fireworks and the most almighty of light displays.
Any of these handful of songs would be fitting for a soundtrack such as Terminator 2, sitting next to “You Could be Mine” by Guns ‘n’ Roses, or as background music in some American biker bar, just to reinforce their edge. Screaming “I’ve got a trick up my sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve!” is to be believed. They sure have whatever that trick is, and it continues to set them apart from any regular Joe/ run-of-the-mill local band.
These fella’s are superb. Fact. They demand publicity and BIG stages, they’d fit the bill at Download perfectly. I have no doubt that these guys could go on to make some serious dollars, with some more big gigs and a lucky break here and there, they could land themselves a great record deal, seeing them “teasing” us to shows from the major cities all the way to the US and back.