Track Review: bones // HOL

Only 18 years of age, UK-based singer-songwriter HOL is already producing material that is more sophisticated than some of her older contemporaries. Featured on the likes of Paste Magazine, Louder Than War, FV Music Blog, Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing Lancashire and BBC Radio Lancashire (not to mention various playlists), HOL is reaching audiences on a global level. She may have started releasing music a couple of years ago, but her repertoire has evolved to something genre-defying over the past year. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘bones’.

Following her critically acclaimed studio album The Chapters, ‘bones’ has a No Doubt meets Hole quality about it. Yes, the music is far more soothing than Courtney Love’s brusque sound but it still has a gritty edge making it quite unique. This transition to a heavier, more guitar-driven sound is an interesting change and showcases her innovativeness as an artist. In 2020 we heard HOL incorporate a pop-rock style with ‘Sunset Kids’, but she has definitely hit her rockstar stride with ‘bones’.

A coming-of-age artist, HOL looks at the human soul once again in this single. Touching on broken relationships, she explores feelings of heartache, guilt, isolation and despair. Yet, while there is a melancholic undercurrent to the reflective song, it has a lingering sense of acceptance and empowerment. As she puts it, “…if it was meant to be, it will be.” A far more sensible and mature response than people double her age would show.

So, overall, what do I think of ‘bones’? HOL demonstrates a sense of elegant maturity within a complex topic. Her lighthearted vocals are reminiscent of Alanis Morissette and her guitar skills are outstanding. It really is so difficult to believe that this natural talent is merely an adolescent. I can’t wait for more from this superb songstress.