Happy Hollows

The real star of Amethyst though is the voice of bubbly frontwoman Sarah Negahdari, showing off chops that perhaps she had yet to find in herself before. Sarah, just off a stint as substitute bass player for Silversun Pickups, channels her inner Siouxsie Sioux here to not only use her voice for lyrical expression, but it’s an instrument all its own, awash in a beautiful reverberated soundscape. - Y-Not Radio

The Happy Hollows are an enchanting indie rock outfit based in L.A. This summer they will release their sophomore album, Amethyst (Pesky Fruit Music), a synth-drenched, textured record of driving, dark pop anchored by frontwoman Sarah Negahdari’s powerful voice and guitar skills. Negarhdari is an incredibly enthusiastic musician whether performing or having a chat—full of energy, gratitude and dynamism. Boxx Magazine contributor Eleanor Whitney caught up with Negarhdari over the phone about her experience as the temporary touring bassist for L.A. alterna rockers Silversun Pickups, how she learned to play the guitar and the process of making Amethyst. - Boxx Magazine

The Happy Hollows are an enchanting indie rock outfit based in L.A. This summer they will release their sophomore album, Amethyst (Pesky Fruit Music), a synth-drenched, textured record of driving, dark pop anchored by frontwoman Sarah Negahdari’s powerful voice and guitar skills. Negarhdari is an incredibly enthusiastic musician whether performing or having a chat—full of energy, gratitude and dynamism. Boxx Magazine contributor Eleanor Whitney caught up with Negarhdari over the phone about her experience as the temporary touring bassist for L.A. alterna rockers Silversun Pickups, how she learned to play the guitar and the process of making Amethyst. - Boxx Magazine

For a band that's based around darker synthpop and indie-rock, Happy Hollows is a pretty ironic name. Just listen to "Endless" [below], the trio's first single from their sophomore record, which feaures lead singer Sarah Negahdari's voice shimmering upon soothing guitar hums and electronic beats.

With a four-year gap between albums—Amethyst, out tomorrow, is a follow-up to 2009's Spells—the band's recordings have become much more polished, while still sounding nostalgic for ‘80s acts like Blondie and Siouxsie and the Banshees. It's obvious that with this record, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Metric had more of an impact on Negahdari and band members Charlie Mahoney and Matt Fry. In addition to her time spent as Happy Hollows' frontwoman, California native Negahdari's talents have led her to be a touring member of Silversun Pickups as the band's bassist. We spoke with her about what she's learned from that experience, overcoming shyness, and being a badass shredder. - Interview Magazine

For a band that's based around darker synthpop and indie-rock, Happy Hollows is a pretty ironic name. Just listen to "Endless" [below], the trio's first single from their sophomore record, which feaures lead singer Sarah Negahdari's voice shimmering upon soothing guitar hums and electronic beats.

With a four-year gap between albums—Amethyst, out tomorrow, is a follow-up to 2009's Spells—the band's recordings have become much more polished, while still sounding nostalgic for ‘80s acts like Blondie and Siouxsie and the Banshees. It's obvious that with this record, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Metric had more of an impact on Negahdari and band members Charlie Mahoney and Matt Fry. In addition to her time spent as Happy Hollows' frontwoman, California native Negahdari's talents have led her to be a touring member of Silversun Pickups as the band's bassist. We spoke with her about what she's learned from that experience, overcoming shyness, and being a badass shredder. - Interview Magazine

In the three years since The Happy Hollows’ full-length debut, the spectacular Spells, the band has gone through a number of changes. They’re on their third drummer, lead singer Sarah Negahdari launched a solo project and toured with the Silversun Pickups as a substitute bass player, and most significantly, bassist Charlie Mahoney stepped up as a co-composer on the songs that make up the band’s second album, Amethyst.

While Spells very overtly showcased the D.C. punk-inspired rhythm section of Charlie Mahoney and original drummer Chris Hernandez, Amethyst is another animal entirely. Written in between drummers, the songs were composed over Mahoney’s synth loops, giving the album much more of a new wave feel and consistent, clockwork rhythms.

As striking a contrast as this new sound is from the first incarnation of the Happy Hollows, one thing is still for sure: Sarah Negahdari is as quirky, bubbly and mystically enchanting as she’s ever been. She still exhibits a wildly uninhibited imagination that is much more Bay Area than the band’s adopted hometown of Los Angeles. She still smiles, yearns and cries through her songs so strongly that you can nearly see her as you listen. “Secret,” in particular, is the most lovelorn Happy Hollows song yet, and it’s teeming with ear-grabbing vocal harmonies and a Cure-like picked guitar pattern that might as well be designed for radio play.

With other strong tunes like “Endless” and “Galaxies” anchoring the record from the start, and with a concise ten-song running order, Amethyst zooms in and out with might and musical muscle, sporting an all-killer-no-filler approach that improves upon their idiosyncratic fourteen-track debut. Sarah, too, is exercising greater control as a vocalist, sounding less like a ball of nervous energy and more like a confident, self-assured singer who is firmly in control and knows exactly what she wants. And what she wants is love – for all of us. If you don’t hear it right away, keep listening. You’ll feel it in time. - Popdose.com

Well, we were all drunk on The Happy Hollows’ music at The Satellite for the record release of Amethyst. The vivacious and talented Sarah Negahdari alternated between unabashed displays of gratitude for the audience and some serious guitar shredding, as well as interpretive dancing. The new songs sounded electric – full-blooded, gutsy, yet accessible, as evidenced by an early highlight of the set – a new track called “Endless.” They’re back! - L.A. Record

Happy Hollows -- led by guitarist and songwriter Sarah Neghadari -- is a power pop band with an experimental streak. The Los Angeles-based group's sophomore album, Amethyst, is a hooky collection of songs that revolve around Neghadari's soaring vocals, fierce guitarwork and an otherworldly glimmering bed of synths. This is some cosmic stuff -- but it also has a lot of heart.

Neghadari and I spoke by phone about the making of Amethyst (out July 30th), whether she might be just a bit psychic, and how the band creates its hooky sound. - WNYC (NPR)

We've been digging The Happy Hollows for years—ever since the release of their debut effort, Spells, back in 2010 (who else lost their shit when they first heard "Faces"?!).

Now, the LA alt-rockers have a small batch of West Coast shows lined up this month, just before unleashing their newest masterpiece, Amethyst, out July 30 via Pesky Fruit Music.

Check out the teaser clip for Amethyst below—featuring the addictive electronic track, "Galaxies"—created by frontwoman Sarah Negahdari herself. After you're done, peep the tour dates section below to find out when The HH are heading to your city this summer!
- Filter Magazine

One of the best bands coming out of LA over the past few years, Happy Hollows return in advance of their next record, Amethyst, with "Galaxy", backing the already riveting and retrofitted "Endless". - Pop Matters

We really like the Happy Hollows here at Pinpoint. Like, really, really, REALLY friggin’ just adore the living hell out of them. We gave their first record, Spells a glowing review. We shot the band at The Troubador and The Satellite. We even helped put on a five buck show for the band at Pianos. Why so much affection for one little band? Because they fucking rule is why so when we got word that Sarah Negahdari (who has recently been touring, on bass, with Silversun Pickups) and company would FINALLY be releasing a new record, we were over the goddamn moon. The record, Amethyst, is due out on 7/30 on Pesky Fruit Music and was recorded with producer Lewis Pesacov (Best Coast, Fools Gold) at Black Iris studios in Echo Park and Infrasonic Sound in Los Angeles. Rumor has it there’s a good deal of experimentation at play on the LP incorporating synths and drum machines to flush out the radical nature of the band’s patent rock shredding. As soon as we get more news, we’ll share it with you. In the meantime, here’s the tracklist. Rockit. - Pinpoint Music

We really like the Happy Hollows here at Pinpoint. Like, really, really, REALLY friggin’ just adore the living hell out of them. We gave their first record, Spells a glowing review. We shot the band at The Troubador and The Satellite. We even helped put on a five buck show for the band at Pianos. Why so much affection for one little band? Because they fucking rule is why so when we got word that Sarah Negahdari (who has recently been touring, on bass, with Silversun Pickups) and company would FINALLY be releasing a new record, we were over the goddamn moon. The record, Amethyst, is due out on 7/30 on Pesky Fruit Music and was recorded with producer Lewis Pesacov (Best Coast, Fools Gold) at Black Iris studios in Echo Park and Infrasonic Sound in Los Angeles. Rumor has it there’s a good deal of experimentation at play on the LP incorporating synths and drum machines to flush out the radical nature of the band’s patent rock shredding. As soon as we get more news, we’ll share it with you. In the meantime, here’s the tracklist. Rockit. - Pinpoint Music

Spells, the debut by hotly hyped Los Angeles trio the Happy Hollows, hit the shelves on October 6, but that doesn’t mean that they’re taking any time off. They’re currently on a short U.S. tour before a five-date residency at L.A.’s famed Spaceland club, and they’ve released “High Wire” as a free mp3. As usual, vocalist Sarah Negahdari carries the day with style and verve—and an absolutely killer set of pipes. As a bonus, here’s a second and third mp3: “Faces” and “Monster Room.” - See more at: http://www.magnetmagazine.com/2009/10/26/mp3-at-3pm-the-happy-hollows-2/#sthash.nyjq3fyt.dpuf - Magnet Magazine

n one video straight outta Wayne’s World, singer, vocalist and YouTube comedienne Sarah Negahdari is interviewed in an invented online show called Carol’s Long Island Minute.

LISTEN: “TAMBOURINE” BY THE HAPPY HOLLOWS

“I get very bored with myself, so I sometimes dress up as other people for a day or two and write from their perspective,” Negahdari told Wired.com in an e-mail interview. “Sometimes I dress up as Carol, who’s a real loony. She doesn’t write songs, thank god, but some of my other characters do, especially the guys.”

Neghadari and her outgoing bandmates, drummer Chris Hernandez and bassist Charles Mahoney (pictured), have cleverly capitalized on the power of viral video with their Spinal Tap-like spoofs on YouTube. Another Happy Hollows clip finds the whole band, including a naked Hernandez, in a bizarro Behind the Music moment, trying to ascertain what, exactly, is wrong with a seemingly unhinged Neghadari, for whom digital video is a perfect vehicle for artistic exorcism. - Wired Magazine

Happy Hollows' debut Spells has been one of those albums that keeps sneaking its way into our listening rotation. Upon first listen the group has a sweet dissonance to their songs akin to a thin veneer of sandpaper surrounding a pixie stick. Singer Sarah Negahdari has a spiky yet subtly slurred delivery that slips between yelps, a middle pleasant melodicism, and sexy lower end just north of an actual growl that produces a menace where most others might reach towards comfort. The music is excitable and raucous, built upon the shoulders of the earlier phases of the Alternative Nation, but whereas those days produced bands hiding a mighty studio veneer, Happy Hollows sounds as if acid was allowed to drip into the mixing board.
We're sharing two of their songs with you in hopes of motivating you to catch the L.A.-based band's show at Beat Kitchen tonight. "High Wire" may be the most commercial song on the album, hewing as it does to their take on more traditional hooks. Spells actually opens with the second tune "Faces," and it's more typical of the rush provided by the rest of the album. - CHICAGOist

2010 may be remembered as the year of the Happy Hollows. But it won't be easy. It almost never is.

Fronted by singer/guitarist Sarah Negahdari with Charlie Mahoney on bass and Chris Hernandez on drums, the Happy Hollows have been impressing Silver Lake audiences since they formed about four years ago. Their music defies easy categorization, swerving from art rock to indie to post-punk, usually in the same song, as tempos shift, choruses go missing, and Negahdari's vocals swing from melodic coos to unhinged snarls, squeals and screams. The songs on their debut album, Spells (listen to it here) become increasingly powerful and rewarding with every listen, but they can also be a challenge. - Huffington Post

his week’s Freshmen winner is The Happy Hollows, who took about 50% of the votes. Their video will go into on-air rotation next week. I’m actually pretty stoked to make that announcement because I really dig this group and I like that a song whose title is completely nonsensical took the win. I think it shows people are willing to expand their ideas about music and embrace tracks that might be a little odd. Also, as I mentioned in the previous post, I have a soft spot for the controversial lo-fi genre. Come back next week for a chance to vote on a new round of artists. In the meantime, you can follow me and mtvU on Twitter for musical updates. - MTVu

his week’s Freshmen winner is The Happy Hollows, who took about 50% of the votes. Their video will go into on-air rotation next week. I’m actually pretty stoked to make that announcement because I really dig this group and I like that a song whose title is completely nonsensical took the win. I think it shows people are willing to expand their ideas about music and embrace tracks that might be a little odd. Also, as I mentioned in the previous post, I have a soft spot for the controversial lo-fi genre. Come back next week for a chance to vote on a new round of artists. In the meantime, you can follow me and mtvU on Twitter for musical updates. - MTVu

Every house has a different entrance to its attic. Mine slides to the side, into the floor, dispersing grains of grime, with a ladder sliding down. Most of the time, no one ever goes up there. We know there's a top crown to all houses, but there's no need to go visit it unless you need to blow some more insulation into the walls or you begin to hear the tiny paw work of mice above your head and you just have to lay some traps to get rid of the vermin. There's just the rectangular door there in the ceiling and it remains there, infrequently opened but for curiosity sake and maybe storage reasons. What we're getting at, or bringing into this essay about the garage-rocking Los Angeles band Happy Hollows isn't so much the hot and dusty emptiness of the attic, but more the unknowable occupants of these attics that we're thinking about. We're also bringing into this discussion, the part at the beginning of the opening credits for "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?" when a flock of bats enters the picture - thick and squeaking - because we're picturing our attic full of those flying rats, ready to swoop out of that opening in your ceiling, were you ever to approach your attic. You'd be bombarded and you'd be knocked from the ladder, hitting your head on the wall on the way down, knocking the cobwebs not out, but into your head. There are skeletons up there and scary old shit that you want no part of. It's this kind of imaginative and creepy sensation - almost of odd, concocted paralysis, of what could possibly be up there - that the Happy Hollows and lead singer Sarah Negahdari bring into their music. They make songs that are filled with bats - swarms and swarms of them - and if they aren't real bats, they're figurative ones that should still be worried about, ones that will still make you a little squeamish and leap back, for the fear of the rabies they might have coursing through them gives you chills. Negahdari is affecting as a spinster of the Karen O sort, singing and emoting with high pitches that come out as minor outbursts, as well as more melodic touches that are the reassuring pets of the head to calm us down and encourage us not to worry about those damned, beady-eyed bats so much. The music is flavored with a mustiness of old basements and the hidden dust of attics, working fast and eerily and you can almost feel the whapping of wings gracing your neck and causing the stood up hairs on your head to rustle just a little. - Daytrotter

LA-based Happy Hollows entered our earwaves a few years back with their debut release Spells, which introduced us to Sarah Negahdari's experimental guitar pop. Recently, we were made aware of the trio's latest production, Amethyst, due out July 30th, after hearing its single "Endless" (below), and we were itching to find out more about dreamy progression of the new album.

We caught up with Sarah and discussed what occupied the band's time leading up to the making of their sophomore LP. We also chatted about her tenure as Nikki Monninger's maternity-leave fill-in during the Silversun Pickups' 2012 tour, and the possible return of the amazing, yet short-lived web show, Carol's Long Island Minute.

- Baeble Music

There’s nothing wrong with a makeover–especially not when it comes to bands. Take Happy Hollows: The L.A.-based trio released a debut album filled with raucous rock jams in 2010. But then their original drummer departed, they started playing around with synths and drum machines, and went into the studio with producer Lewis Pesacov (who has worked with the likes of Best Coast and Brooklyn label Fools Gold). When they emerged, they had an album’s worth of sparkly, electro-tinged tracks.

Though you’ll have to wait until July 30 to hear them all on their sophomore album Amethyst, we’ve got the exclusive premiere of “Galaxies.” Don’t wait to press play–its instantly catchy shimmering pop hooks are just what you need to get the weekend rolling. Read on to listen! - Nylon Magazine

L.A. power trio the Happy Hollows trade in an amalgam of grimy, affectless post-punk and crunchy 90s alt rock; Elastica would be a better reference point were the Hollows less informed by the unhurried California cool of their homebase. Flecks of heavy stoner fuzz and wafts of breezy modern rock blow in and out of Spells, but at its core, it's a ripper. Most of the credit goes to Sarah Negahdari; she's a powerful but economical guitarist, jutting in and out of the tracks like a jagged saw. And her voice, while thin at times, commands attention on both the stompers and the serenades; she's equally adept at twisting around the pile of power chords that is "Silver" as the unsettling buzz and hum of "Turtle and Hare". With all the right angles and sharp left turns underpinning Negahdari's acrobatic vocals, Spells can feel downright Deerhoofy at times, and while Spells goes glam and grunge where Deerhoof would opt for space and skronk, there's a feeling that this music could literally go anywhere-- and that Negahdari could figure out something to sing over it no matter where it might roam.
This isn't to say Negahdari's bandmates, drummer Chris Hernandez and bassist and occasional vocalist Charlie Mahoney aren't worthwhile; with somebody like this in the lead role, though, they were bound to pale in comparison. Mahoney's time behind the mic is would've been best left on the cutting room floor; his two tunes, "DeLorean" and "A Man, A Plan, A Canal" are bogged down by lyrics best described as dumbassed, and despite a tumescent chorus on "DeLorean" and a Pavlovian Les Savy Fav thing on "A Man", keeping Negahdari front and center seems in everyone's best interest.
Great as Negahdari is in the moment, the Hollows songs can feel a bit piecemeal in their composition, and they don't have too many tunes memorable enough to stick with you all the way through its many twists and turns. The cracking Whip-Smart-indebted lead single "Death to Vivek Kemp" gets pretty close, but it's the lone exception; it is the single, after all. At 50 minutes of occasional mania and infrequent tranquility, Spells can seem a little much to take in straight through; it's eclecticism does occasionally feel jumpy, but the easiest fix would be to excise the numbers Mahoney sings and just let Negahdari hog the spotlight she so clearly deserves. As good an introduction to Negahdari's obvious and still-burgeoning talents as Spells is, it gives the impression her best is yet to come. - Pitchfork Media

An opening song can really make or break an album, especially for a band that’s relatively new to the game. Happy Hollows, a three-piece band from Los Angeles, start their sophomore album with “Endless,” a song that effectively creates a surge of soaring choruses, catchy hooks and melodies, and danceable tunes to follow throughout Amethyst; The album never lets go once the grip of “Endless” tightens.

That’s not to say that the album peaks at “Endless” and everything else is just riding off its coattails. Plenty of Amethyst‘s tracks fall into complete dance, synth driven territory like “Galaxies,” “Secret,” and “Hawaii.” Practically every song found on the sophomore effort could be turned into a late-summer underground hit if pushed correctly. “Beside Me” could easily find itself as a couple’s song, or the aforementioned “Hawaii” being featured in an episode of New Girl or, fuck, any feel-good sitcom at this point. Amethyst is a feel-good album that doesn’t rely too heavily on synth-pop sounds on its bombastic choruses that should be played in arenas. Like this year’s release of Tegan and Sara’s Heartthrob, Amethyst uses synth to enhance the optimism and mysticism found in Happy Hollow’s songs, not hinder it.

How do all of these enthusiastic songs fit as a whole, though? Overall, the flow isn’t jarring whatsoever (with a slight misstep from opening song to track two, although the trip is quickly recovered). Going from catchy chorus to catchy chorus might be overwhelming for a lesser band to pull off, but Happy Hollow’s front-woman Sarah Negahdari knows how to push a chorus to its fullest, making the listener want more and more from the band. A true talent in a band that’ll surely be rising to the top. - Based on Nothing