CD Review

Florida has never really been known as the hot bed for indie-rock. Boy bands and crappy nu-metal, yes, indie-rock, no. Recently though, that’s all changed and we have the folks over at Sub Pop to thank for that. Over the last couple of years they’ve put out some fine and critically acclaimed albums from acts (i.e. – Iron &Wine) hailing from a state that is notorious for chain restaurants, theme parks and women with blue hair. Their latest offering is Quit +/or Fight, the sophomore effort from Gainsville’s Holopaw.

Don’t be afraid of the dreaded and oft-hyped sophomore slump that critics like to saddle bands with, Holopaw successfully succeed in avoiding it. Moving away from the alt.country leanings of their debut, they deliver eleven tracks of breezy indie-pop – highlighted by John Orth’s fragile, quivering vocals who seems to have picked up a few things while touring with label-mate Sam Beam. There is an even flow of strumming acoustic guitars, plucking piano, light drumming and flourishes of pedal steel guitar heard throughout the album - making this one of those perfect Sunday morning listens, filled gentle songs and sweet harmonies that keep you in bed just a bit longer.

For more info see: holopaw.net