Advance Review - The Airborne Toxic Event: Hollywood Park (May 22, 2020)
The Airborne Toxic Event are back with their first album since 2015. The brainchild of novelist Mikel Jollet, The Airborne Toxic Event's music comes with an incredible amount of credibility lyric-wise. The Airborne Toxic Event hail from Los Angeles and consist of Jollett (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steven Chen (guitar, keyboards), Adrian Rodriguez (electric bass, backing vocals), and Daren Taylor (drums). Hollywood Park, (which shares a title with Jollet's newest book) is a reaffirmation of Jollet's prowess as a writer, and the band's skills as a unit.
From smashing singles like "Hollywood Park" and "Come on Out" to heart breakers like "Brother, How Was the War?" and "Everything I Love is Broken". Hollywood Park is a conglomeration of indie goodness. Jollet and company even throw in the occasional acoustic number ("Carry Me"). In between are fresh indie tracks that feature prominent bass work, powerful drums, and shredding guitars. Thought they may have taken a break of sorts, The Airborne Toxic Event show that they still know how to make music that captures your heart and gets you moving.
Jollet's vocals take center stage on most every track throughout, as he turns in one of the most expressive vocal displays I've heard in some time. Musically, Hollywood Park is nothing short of outstanding. The band are able to combine elements of traditional indie, while throwing in choirs (on "All the Children"), overdrive laced guitars, and songs that consistently build momentum throughout. This momentum is similar to the rising action and falling action found in literature, which makes sense given Jollet's background.
Overall, Hollywood Park is another strong effort from The Airborne Toxic Event. If you're already a fan, you'll be happy. If you're unaware of Jollet and Co.'s efforts outside of "Sometime Around Midnight", please get acquainted/reacquainted. It's simply worth your time.
Rating - 5/5
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