Indie rock veteran Greg Hoy & The Boys’ new single, “Holy Mother of God”, moves the goalposts for the San Francisco, CA singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Canny intelligence tempers the unbridled rock and roll spirit in this new single. First-class production attributes and instrumentation are an added boon for the recording and an abiding hallmark of Hoy’s past work. He’s working in a power trio format, with a notable exception. The essential core of the song boils down to Hoy’s guitar and vocals joined by second guitarist Paul Labrise, and drummer/bass player Tom Emmerling. It’s important to note how David E. Richman’s tambourine and cowbell accentuate the single. They whip up a whirlwind of sound despite the limited lineup.
It never threatens to overwhelm listeners. “Holy Mother of God” swoops in and carries you away with a focused bolt of riff-driven energy punctuated by Hoy’s stirring vocals and first-class lyrics. The dueling guitars supplied by Hoy and Labrise, left channel and right channel respectively, parry with accompanying sparks throughout the song’s duration. These musicians share an audible chemistry that helps carry much of the performance.
However, Hoy’s vocals are essential. He has a classic rock and roll voice free from any gimmicks. Attacking “Holy Mother of God” with on-target phrasing, a plethora of passion, and a willingness to play second fiddle to the instrumental fireworks are distinguishing factors for his performance. His voice is well-suited for live performances. It isn’t difficult to imagine how Hoy and his musical partners translate this song from its studio origins onto the stage, and it’s undoubtedly there where its potential takes flight.
The upbeat pace of the song gives it a welcome physicality. It never browbeats listeners. However, it does close any customary distance between the performer and the audience. “Holy Mother of God” refuses to let you sit on the fence and demands your full attention. You’ll be happy to give it. It does not make any unusual demands on the listener’s attention either as the three and half minutes plus running time breezes by before you even notice.
It’s a song that holds up under repeated listens. The inscrutable lyrics aren’t especially disconcerting as Hoy grounds it in conversational language far from impenetrable. You’ll take away from “Holy Mother of God” whatever you want as the cut never ordains a specific interpretation. You can hear Hoy’s writing touching on familiar ground for songs of this ilk, and even a touch of humor in the songwriting. It’s slightly sarcastic, as the best rock and roll often is. Greg Hoy wears his insolence well.
He wears the mantle of a rocker well. It is refreshing to hear a modern musician and songwriter take up the form without saddling themselves with a host of well-worn cliches. “Holy Mother of God” recalls the past while keeping its feet planted in the here and now. Greg Hoy’s new single reminds longtime rock fans to keep the faith and should attract a bevy of new fans for this San Francisco-based musician.
Mindy McCall