“Hi, again // It’s been a minute // Since the bottom all fell out // I wanted to say hello // Hello.” Ottawa, Ontario’s indie rock quartet Hollerado—founded in 2007—broke up in 2019, but a return was inevitable. “When the world goes bananas // And no one’s got the answers // It’s time to call somebody that you love // ​​And start a band.” Oh yeah.

Songwriters Menno Versteeg and Nixon Boyd let the lyrics speak for themselves on the five new tracks that comprise the brand new Start A Band EP. I really liked their earlier work (at the very least, 2010’s Record In A Bag LP is a must-have), yet I didn’t expect a comeback would feel this necessary. It all sounds as urgent as it is honest, with striking words, solid riffs, and catchy harmonies. “It’s good to be back // We took the long way home to each other.” And that’s exactly how it is.

Start A Band, produced by Gus Van Go, is out now digitally via Royal Mountain Records. Featuring Menno Versteeg (lead vocals, guitar), Dean Baxter (bass, backing vocals), brothers Nixon (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Jake Boyd (drums, backing vocals), along with Todd Lumley (keys) and Max Trefler (drums).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp