“Cacophony” is a feel-good song for a difficult time. The relentlessly upbeat feeling of this tune is contagious. Built on the foundation of timeless indie rock, this song will lure you in and win you over in a big way. The instrumental arrangement wisely increases dynamics one level at a time, building throughout the song. An expert band builds a power trio rhythm section to an absolute steamroller of a groove.
Bass is punchy and present. Drums are fat and groovy. Guitar parts are rocking and funky. The overall sound is fantastic.
Lyrically, “Cacophony” is filled with angst. “rose color glasses ignorant masses years of a cancer never finding an answer” Hoy pulls no punches regarding today’s state of affairs. “Them headz be talkin, Christopher Walken, rockin & rollin another dream stolen.” This song walks a fine line, blazing in its condemnations but poetically attractive. This delicate balance fits nicely with the sound of the song.
“Cacophony” offers some throwback vibes as well, with a shimmering guitar solo and falsetto vocal hooks. A fresh take on the classic sound of the 90s works perfectly for this one. Hoy’s vocals are relaxed but energetic. He brings a comfortable feeling to the music, blending his rhythmic style with the strong groove of the band. Great melodies and a great groove…if you have a pulse you’ll be dancing by the end of this song.
About Greg Hoy
Musician Greg Hoy has issued over 30 albums under various monikers, including The Royal Panics, Greg Hoy, Greg Hoy & The Boys, and Twice As Bright. For touring, he fires up Greg Hoy & The Boys, a loose collective of friends and trusted musicians (that includes boys & girls). But that usual cycle of recording & touring got a little sidetracked this year.
'Cacophony', this latest release, wasn't planned. It was recorded mid-pandemic, socially distanced, and mostly live to 2-inch tape with his band at Tiny Telephone Studio in Oakland, CA. And *that* took the creative place of a planned tour in support of 'Enjoy The View', an EP recorded by audio legend Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey) in Chicago & mixed in Oregon by the equally amazing Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers). Sadly, there was no touring to support it. So Greg wrote 10 songs in a weekend, gathered the band, and took a week to make 'Cacophony' now out on gold vinyl & digital.
Greg issues diverse albums aligned in spirit with such singular artists as Jack White, Dave Grohl, Neil Young, Queens Of The Stone Age, Spoon, The Jam, The Who, The Beatles... “All the ‘the something’ bands,” Greg would say, and the themes and styles of 'Cacophony' are no exception.
For more information about Greg Hoy, please visit his website.
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