Toronto-based post-punk quartet Hollow Graves are inspired by the second British invasion and with their recently released debut album Mid-Century Modern, the Canadian outfit quickly establishes a sound that features elements of dream pop, New Wave and post-punk.
Fittingly, the album’s material was inspired by life events both before and during the pandemic. Songs touch on the loneliness of being secluded, relationship and personal struggles, while also offering glimpses of hope and enjoyment.
“Borderline,” Mid-Century Modern‘s latest single is an infectious, hook-driven bop centered around glistening and reverb drenched guitar, a driving bass line, stuttering four-on-four and plaintive vocals. But just under the surface is an uneasy anxious tension that feels familiar, with the song asking the question of “when do you let go of someone, who might be struggling and can’t — or is unwilling — to help themselves.
As the band explains in press notes, “‘Borderline’ is a story about a person whose personal struggles are being spread to friends and family in a negative way.” They add “even though you may try to help a struggling friend, you might not be able to effect positive change until they can help themselves first.”
