Album Reviews

From the grungy inflections of "God’s Drunkest Driver" and "Silent Protagonist" to the slow shuffle of "Suicide in the Workplace" - which reminded me of 2000s post-hardcore band Vaux (does anyone still know them?) - Sally, the debut album from Chicago’s HOLSMAN, packs a massive punch. Throw in tracks like "Cramps" and "Kill John Lennon," which sound like Weezer if they were a punk band and still released music worth your time, and it becomes clear just how much ground this record covers.

Thematically, it goes even deeper. Sally is a concept album following two survivors of abusive childhoods as they navigate adult relationships. It sounds heavy - and it is - but a light always shines through at the end of the tunnel. Elevating that emotional weight are rock-solid melodies and the obvious meticulous care woven into every arrangement. Led by singer Ryan Holsman alongside producer and bassist Dan Tinkler (Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds), the indie-punk outfit spent three years crafting the record. That patience paid off: Sally is a deeply considered and immensely powerful debut.