Here’s something that I was quite surprised by, a chillout music album that actually edged toward a more contemporary feel. It makes a nice change and it’s thanks to the guys behind electronic pop band Holice.

According to the inlay Chris and Stephen recorded the music in Stephens kitchen surrounded by cats, noisey appliances and kids running round. I just have this picture of calm created from the epicentre of chaos and I like that notion. It’s like a triumph over tragedy story and you can hear it throughout the album.

“TICK” is a ten track 60 minute album layered with cool pads and synths mellowing into the sound of rain, oceans, crickets and more besides. It really is something else. My favourite piece is track six “Ibiza Skies” closely followed by track nine which has elements of early Art of Noise.

I have to say since receiving this album to review I have turned off my car radio and now listen to this CD on every journey.

You can listen to samples of each track at www.coldcommunications.com/chillout and you can buy a physical copy from www.coldrecords.co.uk/store

Have you ever fancied being in a pop music video? How cool would that be… the envy of your mates and all the girls / boys you could ever want.

Well okay let’s not go crazy. What we’re talking about here is an opportunity to film yourself doing your best Cheryl Cole at the Brits 2010 miming and dancing along to the next single from Liverpool electronic pop band Holice.

“When You’re Around” is released late May early June and all you need to do is get to their website www.holice.co.uk and follow the link to register for a pre-release of the single.

When it’s emailed to you film yourself using whatever means you have, webcam, mobile phone, camcorder etc then upload it to YouTube and let Holice know the link so they can rip it from the site.

This pop music video will then be distributed via all the usual 21st Century channels, social media etc and of course they have a slot on SKY where it will be shown too – straight up.

Kudos to Holice for involving the fans in this way in their pop music video, more bands should take note and give something back instead of expecting fans to just keep shelling out.

www.holice.co.uk

As the quest for nostalgia marches on and we immerse ourselves in the retro sounds of Chairlift, Delphic and La Roux I do sometimes wonder when the zeitgesit of the late 80s is going to come into view.

www.myspace.com/holicemusic

Well it seems that new electronic band Holice are intentionally or unintentionally attempting to capture just that, and I for one am glad. With pads, long keyboard chords, strict beats and heart troubling bass their latest single “Tokyo Boy” leaves a flavour in your mouth that, much like a Starburst, makes you want more.

Sarah’s voice compliments the emotive synths and under pinning pads and it sounds like they had a great time recording this single. I’ve had the promo copy in the car for a week and my son loves it and insists I play it over and over and he’s only four so perhaps Holice are set to have a nice wide audience – as long as they play it properly. He does call it the “Pinocchio song” though. He’s just not dedicated enough

“Tokyo Boy” is perfect radio fodder and plain and simple pop music. Don’t look for anything deeper than what you hear and enjoy it for what it is.

It’s available via all the usual routes like iTunes, Napster and Spotify but also free from their website www.holice.co.uk until 31st Jan.

Tokyo Boy (Single) by HOLICE

www.myspace.com/holicemusic