Black Hollies blend psych and soul Sunday
Peering through my kaleidoscopic, I see a most groovy show Sunday at the Off Broadway.
Playing a mix of Byrds-style psychedelic pop and old soul, Jersey City’s Black Hollies will provide the time machine if you feel like dressing the part.
The quartet has been gaining momentum since the March release of their sophomore album, “Casting Shadows.”
The group embraced the sound after listening to old soul 45s in guitarist Jon Gonnelli’s mom’s attic.
“I started collecting Northern and rare soul and we let our minds wander,” said lead singer and bass player Justin Angelo Morey (right). “We went into it with the intent to sound Motown-y, like Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, but it evolved as we started playing songs.”
Upon first listen, lava lamps started circling in a pot cloud above my head. Through the haze, thought, I could hear a garage rock edge.
“We don’t consider ourselves retro or limit ourselves to one single style,” said Morey, who cited Maxwell’s in Hoboken as the Hollies’ home away from home. “We’re inspired by our influences but we’re also products of our environment.”
If listeners aren’t convinced, Morey has another idea.
“I guess we could get rid of our Beatles haircuts and start wearing over sized t-shirts.”
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The Black Hollies with with The Blind Eyes and the Nevermores
Sunday, Off Broadway, 8 pm, $7
www.myspace.com/theblackhollies


