Holton's Opulent Oog - Love in the Mist

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 20 / 2 / 2011

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The manicured indie spleen on this second album is lifted in spirits by a brass section, though at times 'Love in the Mist' sounds like funeral music, it is impressive enough though. Let there be no doubt. Holton's Opulent Oog take their time, perhaps prefer picking daisies and sitting idle but they certainly can write very decent campfire tunes. I'd put this in the player when embarking on holiday, and when you know for sure you are going to get stuck in traffic or will miss your plane or train. Languor can evoke a wonderful melody. A lot of soul music is based on that juxtaposition. The title 'Love In The Mist' does not really implicate a warm and wild affair and the album sounds rather like interrupted foreplay. What, however, is ineffective about 'Love in the Mist' also makes it interesting. On 'Canter Forth' it is as if Holton is trying to prove he can sing clearly and with conviction, but he's not going to. Being kept too busy as a multi-instrumentalist might be the best excuse Holton can come up with. It is absolutely no punishment to listen to this second album. The musicianship is striking and cunning while the songs are flawless. It's just this placid bloke in need of chilli peppers and garlic on a daily basis. On repeated listening Holton might drive you up the curtains. He's got the timbre and the voice. Think Donovan and Leonard Cohen, but his attitude probably is closer to that of Will Oldham and just like that whinger he is obviously very talented which makes you continue taking care and notice. All mixed feelings put aside, if you are a connoisseur of good taste, you may instantly love 'Love In The Mist' to bits. When you're into community singing 'Chat About' is a must check track. And when you want to put your feet up and relax on the balcony, enjoy the haunting beauty in 'Rough Times' which has flashes of a Hammond organ and a desert flute. After you've bought the album, you will overcome initial objections. Holton's just a mellow yellow fellow. Still underachieving though.

Track Listing:-

1 In-Between Curtains
2 Canter Forth
3 Rough Times
4 Go Before You Strip Away My Mind
5 It's About Company
6 Into The Market
7 Chat About
8 Do You Miss Someone?
9 Don't Turn Away
10 Gay Archers
11 I Don't Believe You
12 Love In The Mist

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