Hey! L.A.!
Rum Bar, 2026
9/10
This 5th studio album from The Hollywood Stars sees the outfit’s ‘70s influences surrounding plenty of punk, garage and rock’n’roll spirit.
The title track starts with Terry Rae’s thumping drums that suits the anthemic climate that’s quite melodic and invites singing-along, and “So Long And So Far Away” follows with Michael Rummans’ meticulous bass guiding the scrappy rock which comes with some power-pop spirit.
Landing in the middle, “This Moment” recruits Rummans’ sophisticated cello that complements the intimate mood, while “Will The Lights Go On Again?” showcases Scott Phares’ adaptable pipes in a rugged landscape which welcomes a searing guitar solo.
“When I Find You” and “King Of The Night Time World” exit the listen. The former carries a darker spirit, as Jeff Jourard and George Keller’s guitars set the cautious template, and the latter is a lively rocker via the animated rhythm section, gang vocals and no lack of garage rock fun.
The Hollywood Stars returned in 2024 after a 47 year hiatus, and they’ve certainly made up for lost time with a pair of excellent records that illustrate their timeless rock’n’roll formula in both loud and tender settings.
Travels well with: The Hollywood Stars- Starstruck; Professor And The Madman- Dreamworld