Rising Los Angeles electro-pop artist and social change advocate Holander shows tremendous potential on her short, but hella sweet single, “Smoke.”  

“When you’re overtaken by someone, it’s like smoke in your lungs. I believe when two people love each other, they start to tap into the universal love— this love that is bigger, and connects us all.” Wow, Holander, your words are deep, insightful, and moving. Holander (Carly Harpur Hollander) is a rising electro-pop artist from Los Angeles.  After beginning with piano and guitar covers, she moved to electronic pop music, of which the single at hand, “Smoke” is certainly idiomatic.  Before diving into “Smoke,” it’s worth noting how immersed Holander is into advocacy; in her eyes, music is for self-empowerment and likewise, the empowerment of others.  A student of social change, she practices feminism and advocacy for LGBTQ and minority groups.  What an accomplished individual, sigh. The same can be said about her music.

“Smoke” lasts merely two-and-a-half-minutes in duration. Even though Holander keeps things short, the results are hella sweet.  “Smoke” features an excellent synth-driven intro that’s representative of electronic/electro-pop style. The present, pulsating bass line is among the instrumental highlights.  Besides the specifics that entail the music itself, the vibe is arguably its biggest selling point. She impresses with her smooth, sexy, and warm set of vocals. Solid vocal production only accentuates the ear candy that she capably delivers.  While there are no ‘gospel histrionics,’ there don’t need to be.  She sounds ‘cool,’ as if she never breaks a sweat while singing.  Even though she doesn’t have to push her voice, that doesn’t mean she’s ‘soft.’ She still packs and punch, and ‘drops a bomb’ for good measure.

Final Thoughts

A couple more notes about this enjoyable, well-rounded number.  Holander successfully contrasts verse with more rhythmic vocals on the pre-chorus. The chorus is big, driven by the production, specifically the guitar/synth lines.  Through it all, she maintains a low-key approach, which arguably goes-against-the grain, but definitely works out well.  All in all, Holander gives us an eventful, memorable two-and-a-half minutes with “Smoke.”  The potential she shows is truly great.

Holander • Smoke – Single • Holander • Release: 7.20.18

Photo Credit: Holander

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