Holton's Opulent Oog - Love in the Mist
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 20 / 2 / 2011
Label:
Big Potato
Format: CD
intro
Whimsical and underachieving, yet compelling second album from British psychedelic folk outfit, Holton's Opulent Oog
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 Curtains2 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
reviews |
The Problem of Knowledge (2008) |
Shambolically charming, but sluggish-sounding debut album from psychedelic folk rockers Holton's Opulent Oog, who include in their line-up Ian McCutcheon and Simon Rowe from Mojave 3 |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
most viewed reviews
current edition
Marika Hackman - Big SighSerious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning Dew
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart