2hollis is a name that’s been stirring at the fringes of underground music, especially after opening for a big name like Ken Carson for his “A Great Chaos” tour in mid 2024. With his fourth studio album, Star, he’s finally stepping into the spotlight, seeming now more than ever to be an artist that’s pushing the envelope of modern experimental pop. His debut with a major label, Interscope Records, offers a sound that’s fresh and thrilling in its mix of genres, combining hyperpop, trap and a healthy dose of avant-garde energy.
The album commences with Flash, a number that instantaneously establishes the ambiance. The thumping beats, overlaid with glitchy electronic tones, create a sensation of excitement and expectancy. 2hollis’s singing is both raw and precise, veering between autotuned serenades to the sort of unfettered rap that has you deciphering the lyricsat breakneck speed. It’s the kind of thrill ride you want to take again and again, not only because of its awesome sounds but also because of the words you might not yet completely grasp.
Tracks such as “Cope” and “Tell Me” exhibit the versatility of 2hollis. “Cope” has a more introspective, almost melancholic, vibe. It is driven by haunting synths and an almost hypnotic rhythm that urges listeners to hurl themselves headlong into an emotional state. “Tell Me” is a track that brings some humor and playfulness to the album. With infectious hooks and an upbeat tempo, the song feels very much like a summer anthem yet is well-tailored to allow for sound experimentation.
In Star, 2hollis shows himself to be an artist who is unafraid to take chances, pushing the boundaries of genre and expectation. The album is produced with a precise hand, every sound is clear and distinct. The listener is drawn into a world where beauty and chaos coexist, where they are not opposites but part of the same seamless whole. If that sounds like sounds like a sales pitch for some sort of high-concept art, well, that’s kind of what’s going on here—high-concept art for your ears.
Although the album sometimes ventures into the abstract and even into surreal sonic landscapes, it never loses its accessibility. The album sounds cohesive, even as it jumps between moods and styles and keeps the listener engaged without overwhelming them. This is where 2hollis truly shines: in crafting a sound that feels both experimental and, at the same time, relatable to anyone.
Rating: 8.5/10
