Slow Hollows: the return of a Los Angeles icon with the new album Bullhead

Slow Hollows, the genre-defying band from Los Angeles, has made a triumphant return after a three-year hiatus. Founded by songwriter Austin Feinstein, the band has undergone significant transformations over the past decade. Initially disbanded in 2020, Slow Hollows is now back with a new album titled Bullhead, set to release on March 8, 2024, via Danger Collective Records. This return marks a new era for Feinstein, who now uses the Slow Hollows name as a solo moniker.

The Evolution of Slow Hollows

Austin Feinstein, now 26, has spent the past decade honing his craft and reinventing his music across various LPs. The band’s journey began in 2013 when Feinstein formed Slow Hollows as a teenager after being influenced by the DIY punk community at L.A. venue The Smell. Their first official LPs, 2015’s Atelophobia and 2016’s Romantic, explored indie rock and put Feinstein on the radar of notable artists like Frank Ocean, who tapped him to sing the chorus of Blonde’s “Self Control.”

In 2019, Slow Hollows released Actors, an album that showcased an expanded palette incorporating elements of R&B and dance music, with production contributions from Tyler, the Creator. Despite this breakthrough, Feinstein and his bandmates decided to let the project run its course, leading to the band’s disbandment in early 2020.

The Making of Bullhead

Five years after their last album, Slow Hollows returns with Bullhead, a testament to Feinstein’s stubborn perfectionism. The new LP features nine timeless and intentional songs that mark a sonic shift towards the sounds of early Slow Hollows records. Feinstein explains, “Making a cohesive album was important. Time away from the band made me realize what Slow Hollows stood for. It was hard to realize what we were getting at when we were doing it.”

The album finds Feinstein at the height of his songwriting powers, stripping things back to an elemental place to build them up to smoldering heights. Shades of Neil Young and Elliott Smith are at the core of the songs, all lushly rendered with rich strings, moody synths, and bighearted guitar riffs. Feinstein credits longtime friend and collaborator Nick Noneman for recording and producing the album. “We made a couple of different versions of the album in the last two years,” says Feinstein. “I feel like I put him through the wringer, but he has a fire inside and knows Slow Hollows better than I do.”

Collaborations and Inspirations

Feinstein’s former bandmates have moved on to their own musical projects and careers, but the spirit of the band lives on through the making of Bullhead. “Everybody in Slow Hollows was involved in the record-making process, even if they weren’t directly making music with me,” says Feinstein. The songs on Bullhead reflect people stuck in their ways, striving to break free of routines and habits.

The album features tracks like “Homebody,” a rich cinematic song with gorgeous strings, and “Tired,” where Feinstein finds a silver lining, singing, “I wish I knew you every step / tired of everybody but you.” These songs were watershed moments during the recording sessions, establishing the sound of Bullhead with a tender balance between stark songwriting and soaring arrangements.

Feinstein also highlights the importance of collaboration in the creation of the album. “Allowing myself to collaborate and get out of my own head was crucial,” he says. “It was important to have collaborators who could provide an objective look at what serves the song best and scrap everything else.”

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles, exploring the city’s vibrant music scene is a must. Start by visiting iconic venues like The Smell, where Slow Hollows began their journey. This DIY punk venue is a cornerstone of L.A.’s underground music culture and offers a unique glimpse into the city’s artistic spirit.

For expert travelers, consider timing your visit to coincide with a live performance by Slow Hollows or other local bands. Los Angeles is home to numerous music festivals and events that showcase a diverse range of genres and artists. Attending these events will provide a deeper understanding of the city’s dynamic music landscape.

In conclusion, Slow Hollows’ return with Bullhead is a significant moment in the modern music scene of Los Angeles. The album not only marks a new chapter for Austin Feinstein but also serves as a reminder of the power of persistence and collaboration. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or a seasoned explorer, immersing yourself in L.A.’s music culture will undoubtedly enrich your experience of the city.