Tampa supergroup The Holy Terror has come a long way in a short amount of time. Formed in 2018 and comprised of a bevy of members from several other hometown bands (i.e. Rototiller, Poetry ‘N Lotion, Same Day Delivery Orchestra, et al), the band is the brainchild of drummer, singer, guitarist and songwriter John Nowicki.
Wearing his influences proudly on his sleeve, Nowicki leads the seven-piece outfit through gin-soaked paeans reminiscent of Tom Waits’ classic work as effectively and efficiently as he does through the moody, introspective tunes that harken back to ‘90s grunge era on the dozen songs that make up this superb release. Melissa Grady’s emotive cello work on “Kindling” adds a layer of lush beauty that lifts the melancholic piece to almost become the album’s centerpiece.
But it’s Nowicki’s ability to straddle the line between cheekiness and earnestness throughout HT2: L’atrocité Du Jour that’s the real attraction here. When he belts the line “I’m on drugs…” to open “Powers that Be,” another standout track on the album, the listener isn’t sure if they should laugh or worry. With this outstanding collection of 12 original compositions, this, The Holy Terror’s sophomore release, is undoubtedly one of the best to emerge from the crop of local albums this year.
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