Article by Melanie Macpherson, Photos by Tara McDermott
Saskatoon’s own Hollow Oax has unleashed their latest album, Another Dose, a wild ride through the chaotic world of punk rock. Known for their gritty fusion of post-hardcore, post-punk, and shoegaze, Hollow Oax serves up a record that dips its toes into a variety of punk influences while keeping a distinct, unified sound.
The album kicks off with a bang in "Shotgun," which lives up to its name, firing off a blast of fast-paced, distorted energy. It’s pure punk rock with raw and gritty vibes, setting the stage for the high-octane journey ahead. This is the kind of track that makes you want to thrash around and lose yourself in the moment.
Next up, "Kamikaze (Wake Me Up)" keeps the relentless pace, powered by a driving bass line and layers of distortion that hint at hardcore influences. This track is an adrenaline rush, showcasing the band’s knack for blending aggression with melody. It’s the perfect follow-up to the opener, cranking up the intensity even further.
"Bobby’s Place" shifts gears with a party vibe that screams Oi! and makes you want to join the raucous fun. It’s a sing-along anthem that embodies the communal spirit of punk, bringing a sense of camaraderie to the album.
"Salüe" keeps the party going but adds a surf punk twist, riding a wave of upbeat rhythms, sun-soaked guitar lines and hooky melody. Imagine if the Surfaris went punk. It’s a track that’s impossible to listen to without moving, injecting a shot of vintage flair into the album. This one is a lot of fun.
The tone changes once more with "Otherhand," exploring post-hardcore elements with a more intense atmosphere. The track showcases the band's versatility by combining melody and raw power effectively. It provides a powerful release, adding depth to the album's overall experience.
"DEDfrendz" is a fast-paced punk bop with fuzzy distortion and buzzy repetition that’s pure ear candy. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks make it an instant favorite, the kind of track that sticks in your head long after the music stops. It’s punk rock in its most irresistible form.
Bringing a harsher edge, "Bad Credit" is marked by screamier vocals and a real bad attitude. This track leans heavily into hardcore punk, adding a layer of raw intensity that’s both thrilling and a little menacing. It’s a sonic punch to the gut that leaves a lasting impression.
"Zombie Gurl" shifts back to a skate punk sound with playful and rebellious vibes. It’s a fun listen that adds another dimension to the album’s diverse sonic palette, capturing the spirit of teenage rebellion and carefree days spent on a skateboard. This track will have you letting loose for a good time.
"Gunnit" cranks up the intensity again with hard-driving guitar licks and shouty, repetitive vocals. It’s a face-peeling punk track that demands your attention with its relentless energy. This one’s for the mosh pits and late-night adrenaline rushes, a pure punk rock explosion.
Taking a softer turn, "Chemicals" explores art punk territory with a more introspective and nuanced approach. It’s a refreshing contrast to the album’s otherwise high-octane tracks, offering a moment of calm in the storm. The layered instrumentation and more vulnerable vocals make it a standout.
"Interlude" offers a trance-inducing instrumental break with a throbbing bassline, tribal style drum beat, and gradually building guitar feedback. It’s a captivating piece that provides a brief respite before the final onslaught.
Closing the album is "Jonny MF Bladez," a rollercoaster of a track that captures this band's multifaceted sound. Starting with fast-paced, shouty punk, it transitions into a dreamy, psychedelic side quest before exploding into a harsh industrial rhythm and intense hardcore screams. It’s a dynamic and fitting end to an album that defies categorization, leaving the listener wanting more.
The album release show for Another Dose went down at Amigo’s Cantina on July 6th. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as the openers, P.P. Cauldron, took the stage. Their throbbing, fuzzy acid punk sound was a wild start to the evening, with incredible musicianship that was a blast to watch.
Next up was Tunnel Kids, a band that seems on the verge of doing big things. Their guitar-driven alt-rock with a hint of pop punk, combined with gorgeous vocals that are reminiscent of Hayley Williams from Paramore, makes an impression. Their single “Waves” is a must-listen, and this is a band you're definitely going to want to keep an eye on.
When Hollow Oax hit the stage, their experience and stage presence were immediately evident. Despite facing technical issues like broken strings and faulty cords, they powered through like true pros. Their high-energy performance had the crowd headbanging, jumping, and dancing until well after midnight. Running through the album from start to finish, the songs translated seamlessly to the live setting, allowing each band member their moment in the spotlight.
Highlights of the set included the crowd singing along to “Salüe” and the mind-blowing drum solo at the end of “Gunnit,” which had the audience going wild. The drumming was a standout feature for all three bands, but it reached its peak during Hollow Oax’s set, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already exhilarating show.
Another Dose by Hollow Oax is a skillful exploration of the punk rock genre, blending elements of post-hardcore, post-punk, shoegaze, and more. Each track offers something unique, yet the album maintains a consistent feel and recognizable sound. The live album release show at Amigo’s Cantina was evidence of the band’s talent and dedication..
Whether you’re a long-time Hollow Oax fan or new to their music, Another Dose is an album that demands attention. If you like your music fast and hard, this album might be the dose you're looking for.
Hollow Oax consists of
Jon Walker - Lead vocals / guitar
Evan Colby - Guitar / backup vocals
Rayden Gilroy - Bass/ backup vocals
Jesse McMillan - Drums
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