Peter Hollens // Peter Hollens

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Frequent visitors to this blog will know that we’ve featured some of Hollens’ singles. Well, now he’s only gone and got an album released on a major label!

Opening the album is I See Fire (of Ed Sheeran fame) which automatically reminds you that, for the majority if not all the tracks on this album are made using only voices. Next is a take on The Elder Scroll’s Skyrim theme fearuring another of this blogs favs, Lindsey Stirling, which is for one track features over 100 seperate tracks to produce the sound. A take on Jason Mraz’s song I Won’t Give Up, delivered with the same passion as heard in the original.

Next we head to Broadway for a Les Miserables Medley featuring Hollens’ wife Evynne before another collaboration, this time with Sabrina Carpenter in the form of the U2 classic, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. Things take a tender moment with the American folk song, Shenandoah before changing location for another folk song, this time from Ireland in the form of She Moved Through The Fair.

Hallelujah comes next and is a duet with Jackie Evancho (you might know her name if you watch America’s Got Talent) and leads into a duet with Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame) in Our Special Love. Back to the folk songs and first we have The Parting Glass that we’ve previously reviewed before he have Black Is The Colour of My True Love’s Hair featuring Avi Kaplan (of Pentatonix) on vocal duties as well.

Ashland’s Song is Peter’s own composition, written for his recent newborn son, and is a track that parents will no doubt be able to relate to. The final track on the album is Misty Mountains (as heard The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) and for us, we feel it leaves you waiting for more.

Overall, we find difficulty in finding fault with the album when you consider that it is all recorded using, for a number of them, just one voice. It would be easy to say ‘oh but he’s already released some tracks individually’ (which he has and the majority can be bought over on Loudr) but ignoring that fact, this album is quite a nice introduction into Peter’s world particularly for those who may not be as familiar with his works. That said, it’s also a nice collection for fans as some of the songs featured are from the fan favourite videos. We, meanwhile wait to see what next in store.

Rating: 5/5

Peter Hollens // The Parting Glass

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We were always a little bit disappointed that the last song featured on Assasin’s Creed 4: Black Flag didn’t turn up on any of the soundtracks (some of the sea shanties turned up on their own collection!) and we never knew the name of the track either.

It seems that it’s quite common track actually. But now, thanks to the wonderful talent that is Peter Hollens, the song is brought to life once again with his multi layered vocal approach. This approach gives it a sort of haunting feeling before midway there’s a bit of a bounce. But don’t let this fool you as it soon returns to what we heard at the start.

A beautiful little number…there’s nothing else we can say!

Rating:5/5

Peter Hollens // Into The West

Download @ iTunes | Download @ Loudr

We can’t help think that there is some clever ploy in Hollens’ mind in releasing his latest cover. Don’t know why? Well considering that we are in Award season….and the original version of this won a Grammy, a Golden Globe & an Oscar…Maybe we’re reading too much into it but would be cool to think it right?

Anyway, if you’re aware of our previous posts, you’ll know that Hollens make all his music purely with his voice. Into The West, heard in the credits of The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King was originally performed by Scottish singer/songwriter Annie Lennox of it does have a lot to live up to.We’re happy to report, that it does and once again, Peter makes a song his. It is a mere faster in tempo but when you break it down into it’s components, it’s a pretty spectacular result.

Rating: 5/5

New Music Friday // Lindsey Stirling & Peter Hollens

Yes, we’re fully aware that we’ve featured these two previously on their own on here, but this time we’re showcasing them together! Last week saw YouTube talking all things geek and in celebration, Lindsey & Peter released their latest collaboration, a Star Wars Medley! Be impressed! There’s 135 tracks to this track and all it is is one violin and one voice! Check the video out below:



Official Links:

Lindsey Stirling: Official Site | Facebook | YouTube

Peter Hollens: Official Site | Facebook | YouTube

New Music Friday: Peter Hollens

We thought we’d introduce you to Peter Hollens. We first came across him in with the “duet” with Lindsey Stirling on the Skyrim Theme. What we love about him is that all his music is done just using his voice! His latest offering comes in the form of a cover of Josh Groban’s Brave. Check it out below:

Official Site | Youtube