Richard Hawley - Hollow Meadows
5/10
Hollow Meadows is the eighth studio album from ex-Longpigs/Pulp guitarist Hawley. Like the previous seven, the name references an area of Sheffield. Over the years, I've considered buying Hawley’s solo work. He comes across as a sound bloke and is always interesting in interviews. Despite that, I’ve not got around to getting anything. So, I thought I’d give this a go.
Much to my disappointment, this isn't particularly good. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad. Just, for the most part, unengaging. At its best, this comes on like a cross between prime Leonard Cohen and the gentler side of Nick Cave's back catalogue. The trouble is, those moments are few and far between and don't actually manage to last a whole song. At its worst, this is like The Divine Comedy, without the humour and without the orchestration. I really don't want to be too down on this. As background, aural wallpaper, it is pleasant enough. It really isn’t bad but it is just offers nothing memorable.
5/10
