Hollywood Undead
Hotel Kalifornia – BMG
It’s important for artists to progress their music, to develop and dare to suggest it – change. Unless of course you’re called Status Quo in which case, as you were. And progress is exactly what Hollywood Undead have done on Hotel Kalifornia. It has to be said straight away that their signature sound is still present. It’s just expanded into new territory. This is a re-energised group that have taken all the good bits from before and added a little extra warmth and depth. You get some smart harmonies, booming guitars and a kind of urban grandeur overall. Hollywood Undead still have the street smarts only now they truly rule the neighbourhood. The swagger is tempered with maturity and an introspective viewpoint that turns out to be a very good thing. This is Hollywood Undead’s most rounded and complete album to date.
Review by Gary Trueman