IOTA – Hollow (2024)
Known for their powerful lyricism and explosive performances, UK-based IOTA effortlessly wins audiences with an intoxicating veil of music. Yes, you can indeed become entranced at their gigs; however, IOTA has quickly established itself as a popular up-and-comer on an international scale. With features in international publications, radio stations, and playlists, the group is making waves far beyond Bristol. This is our introduction to IOTA but, considering my enthusiasm for vintage grunge, there’s no question the group are already winning hearts at The Other Side Reviews. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Hollow’.
Following the critically acclaimed track ‘Medicine’, IOTA saunter into 2024 with ‘Hollow’. Penned and composed by the band – Jodie Robinson, Joe Dean, Josef Parkes, Samuel Mattison and Thomas John – ‘Hollow’ leans toward the sounds of Nirvana and The Cranberries. Echoing the breath of old-school grunge in its elaborate distortions and crushing weight, ‘Hollow’ is a swirl of searing guitars, pounding drums, and powerful bass. One aspect of grunge that I find intriguing is how each instrument takes prominence in its distorted arrangement; however, there is a harmonic and soothing bind in the mystical symphony.
While the melody is intriguing, it is IOTA’s way of evoking raw emotion and bottling it in the elegant but gritty ferocity of the track. Tackling the issue of mental health and depression, each chord steps further into the dark chasm of desperate tragedy and pain. Skin-tingling, the guitars slice away in rage as the drums crash beneath in tumultuous terror; however, it is the bold brashness of Jodie Robinson’s vocals that add a sheen of hopeful optimism to the vulnerable pot. She explains:
“We wrote ‘Hollow’ as it’s something close to our heart and a battle so many people face behind closed doors. We hope ‘Hollow’ gives perspective and shows strength and fight between depression and mental health issues and that you are not alone.”
A keen insight into the chaotic experience of feeling, breathing and existing in this warped world of simultaneously nothing and overcrowded inescapable everything, IOTA hits depression on the head with ‘Hollow’ – both in pain and in empowerment.
Find out more about IOTA on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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