The scrappy garage pop of
the Holloways sizes up to the likes of
the Kooks,
Babyshambles, and
the Rifles for one of 2006's brightest English debuts.
So This is Great Britain? takes a playful and sweet approach to analyzing the love of life, the love of a girl, and the love of music. The Holloways sometimes sound like a gang of pre-pubescent school boys; their overall performance is carefree and loose, and songs such as "Re-Invent Myself?" and "Generator" come of flirty and fun with simple harmonies and handclaps all around. Other highlights include the snotty punk of the album's title track; echoing bits of
the Clash and
the Jam make this an excellent party anthem, while "Happiness and Penniless" capture
the Holloways' infectious enthusiasm. So This Is Great Britain? is a simple record of quick-witted rock songs; if anything, it's just a glimpse of what
the Holloways can do should they tweak things a bit tighter. They're definitely on their way to finding their niche. ~ MacKenzie Wilson