THE WES HOLLYWOOD SHOW
The Girls Are Never Ending (Net Wt. Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Wes Hollywood still has more in common with Elvis Costello than horn rims and a knack for catchy pop melodies and slightly acerbic lyrics, but the adulation is a bit less straightforward on The Girls Are Never Ending than it was on the band's debut, Playing Favorites. That's partly due to the absence of keyboardist Matt Waters, partly to the addition of guitarist Mark Talent, but mostly to Hollywoods' impressive maturing as a songwriter and performer. The sound is still rooted in vintage new-wave pop, but Wes Hollywood is increasingly finding an individual voice within that framework.

The good news is that the individual voice he's finding is a very satisfying one indeed. Along with the new guitarist, bassist Patrick Thornbury and drummer Jason Styx are back, and their tenure with Hollywood has only made their rhythm support stronger and tighter. Everything everyone does here is done in service to the songs, and the songs are terrific. With a sound that's recognizably less derivative and talent that's undeniable, The Wes Hollywood Show is back, and I can't wait for them to come back once again. [www.weshollywood.com]

Track List:

She's Gonna Let You * Prepare To Qualify * Nehi-Crush * I'm A Success * Weston-Super-Mare * Growin' Up Simple * Miss Modern * H-Bomb * Under Your Bed * Goodtime Girl * I Just Can't Get Away From Myself * Little Miracle * There Go The Girls E

© 2001 - Shaun Dale