Review by Rachel Jablonski
It was Academy Award time again recently, the ego boosting day dedicated to marking the “best” in Hollywood. Along with the Oscar, many actors and actresses, directors, producers, and others involved in the glitz and glamour of movie making would like to be considered “Hollywood.” So who is Hollywood?
I Am Hollywood says a band of North Carolina natives. Not speaking of themselves, but rather of a huge entity, a collective attitude in one place called Hollywood. Dreams of fame, glamour, and riches are rampant in this place. But for those entranced by the misleading promises radiating from the city, a shocking reality can quickly be discovered. Not all fantasies come true in the “fake and over-produced” place according to the five-piece band He Is Legend. The band’s release, I Am Hollywood, is a mocking stab at the typically unrealistic, fairytale-like views of Hollywood. With a satirical approach alluding to these myths, He Is Legend explores Hollywood realities with sarcasm, sass, and passion.
The first aspect of the album to note, I Am Hollywood is structured so as to simulate a play or some kind of production. The songs on the album are split up into acts, scenes, and a finale. Using blatant quotes and ideas from fairytales and movies as symbols, the conveyed message of I Am Hollywood – the blinding fairytale-like appeal Hollywood emits – is crystal clear. Thematic concepts raid each song through clever lyrics that represent the band’s interpretation of Hollywood.
“The Seduction” involves reference to “Jezebel,” maybe or maybe not in suggestion of the 1938 movie of the same name. Juliet you know you want it! the song also asserts alluding to, of course, the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet. The track involves a tremendously catchy guitar riff underneath a mix of melody and cookie monster vocals revealing the symbolic words.
“Eating a book” has the lyrics I don’t mind your complexion or the fact that you are bleeding which screams HELLO looks don’t matter as much as they say they do! The song is rather upbeat with staccato guitar notes and quick drum beats during the verse.
“The Creature Walks” proclaims how bout a little fire scarecrow? a line of course having been yanked from the movie The Wizard of Oz. A more radio friendly song with a ton of melody and a little less of the hardcore elements, the track reveals a softer side of He Is Legend just slightly.
“…Best in Mexico” says so I will go quickly now and leave breadcrumbs on the street. Could this be a parallel to the fairytale of Hansel and Gretel perhaps?
“The Walls Have Teeth” proclaims there has been an accident at the house built out of sticks…I will miss that little piggy…and the wolf has got a taste for bacon which is an interesting way to describe the story of The Three Little Pigs.
“Do You Think I Am Pretty” declares these are a few of my favorite things, a line from the song “My Favorite Things” from the musical The Sound of Music.
“I am Hollywood” is the finale track and asserts I’m going to be a big star some day… I am Hollywood. The song is pure heavy with rapid music and gruff vocals. Not only is it a great track, it is a great finale to the album both conceptually and musically.
These tracks and every track in between reiterate the concept of Hollywood that He Is Legend is trying to portray – a rather difficult place where the hope of a fairytale ending exists despite the fact that the odds are against everyone.
He Is Legend’s I Am Hollywood is a great effort, fluid in concept, with catchy rock riffs, intense drums, hardcore fundamentals, and enticing clean melodies. Though they have made an enjoyable album, He Is Legend has not, as of yet anyway, left their mark as the “best” in Hollywood. But something tells me they might not care to be considered so anyway.