Years deep in the music journalism trenches, I thought I’d encountered every variation of artist under the sun. But Hooyoosay throws a whole new wrinkle into things. It’s not a band in the conventional sense, but a sprawling, ever-evolving international collaboration. They’ve built a surprisingly robust catalog over the years, and their creative wellspring shows no sign of drying up.
The most striking thing about Hooyoosay? The sheer number of musicians who have cycled through this project, each one a distinct voice and genre unto themselves. It’s like a musical passport, stamping the sound with influences from all corners of the globe.
Now, I’m not saying this is what they have done so far, but rather an example of what it could be; imagine a genre-bending stew, where flamenco riffs simmer alongside pulsating electronica, all seasoned with traditional instrumentation. That’s the kind of kaleidoscope Hooyoosay can conjure. This constant influx of fresh perspectives keeps the music exciting and unpredictable, a showcase to the group’s boundless creative spirit.
Now, their newest single “We’re Going on a Holiday” dropped last Friday, April 18th, 2024, and it hit my ears at the perfect moment. Spring’s sprung, infusing the air with a contagious energy that makes you want to throw open the windows and soak it all in. The lazy days of summer beckon, and the travel bug has bitten me hard.
This track taps right into that wanderlust, its infectious melody a welcome soundtrack to daydreams of far-flung beaches, bustling street markets, and new adventures around every corner. The timing couldn’t be more fitting – it’s almost like Hooyoosay dialed into my subconscious, knew I desperately needed a musical nudge to start planning my own escape from the daily grind.
Here’s hoping this song inspires the same sense of wanderlust in fellow listeners. After all, who doesn’t need a dose of sunshine and escape as we shed the winter blues and embrace the carefree spirit of summer? Maybe you’re picturing yourself relaxing on a hammock strung between palm trees, a cool drink in hand.
Or maybe you envision yourself exploring ancient ruins, lost in the wonder of forgotten civilizations. The beauty of “We’re Going on a Holiday” is that it soundtracks all these possibilities and more. It’s a reminder that the world is full of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered, and all it takes is the first step to turn those dreams into reality. Hooyoosay might not be able to book your flights or pack your bags, but they’ve certainly provided the perfect anthem to kickstart your summer travel frenzy.
“We’re Going on a Holiday” doesn’t just hint at travel, it hits with the giddy anticipation of the journey itself. The song kicks off with a burst of accordion-like tones, a jaunty bassline weaving in and out of marching, snare-style percussion. It sets a festive, almost carnival-like atmosphere, a perfect backdrop for the intertwining male and female vocals that tells the story of shared excitement. There’s an infectious quality to the melodies, a playful give-and-take with a subtle yet noticeable shift that only amplifies that sense of fun.
Throughout the track, playful chimes add a touch of whimsy, their delicate notes shimmering like sunlight dappling through leaves against the backdrop of the accordion and percussion. And right around the midpoint, the vocals soar, a jubilant key change that feels like the decision has been made, the tickets are booked, and the adventure truly begins.
It’s like an exclamation point in the song that had me grinning from ear to ear. The energy builds steadily from that point onwards, the playful melodies weaving in and out of each other, punctuated by the rhythmic thrum of the percussion, like a ton of sights and sounds building anticipation for the adventure to come. The beauty of this opening section is that it perfectly captures the emotional rush of planning a trip. You can practically taste the freedom and escape in the vibrant melodies, and the playful percussion puts a smile on your face.
The infectious energy of the opening only intensifies as the song progresses. But amidst the frenetic rush of waiting, there’s a clever melodic shift that deserves a spotlight. The playful chimes take a backseat for a moment, replaced by deeper tones, a sonic counterpart to the deeper, richer vocals that come to the forefront. This brief pause feels like a stolen glance at the itinerary, a moment to mentally picture the destinations – “Sandy beaches and deep blue oceans” – sung in a lower key that adds a touch of serenity amidst the joyous chaos.
But fear not, the lull is fleeting. The melody swoops down once more, a dramatic key change that ushers in a brand new section. Here, the tempo picks up, propelled by a hand-clapping rhythm section that’s impossible to resist. The infectious “La La La La” chants become an irresistible invitation to sing along, a call to embrace the carefree spirit of the song.
It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, a musical embodiment of that pre-vacation giddiness that makes you want to throw your hands in the air and shout for glee. It’s an earworm in the absolute best way, a melody that will have you humming along and conjuring up images of your dream vacation.
The song is about immersing oneself in unfamiliar cultures, from exploring ancient places to sampling the local cuisine. There’s an emphasis on connecting with others, on building memories through shared storytelling and laughter. The song captures the desire to break free from the daily grind, to let loose in a way you might not allow yourself to at home.
Beyond the excitement, there’s a strong undercurrent of relaxation. The images of pristine beaches, refreshing drinks, and the gentle rhythm of the ocean soothe the soul. There’s even a touch of romance in the starry nights, painting the picture of reconnecting with a loved one or finding unexpected magic on your travels.
The real beauty of this song lies in its universality. Whether you dream of trekking snowy mountains, wandering bustling markets, or simply lounging by the pool, “We’re Going on a Holiday” taps into that core feeling of rejuvenation and possibility we all crave when planning a getaway. It’s the sound of that happy sigh that escapes your lips when you envision yourself in a completely new setting, ready to leave everyday worries behind.
Hooyoosay has impressed me with their collaborative spirit. “We’re Going on a Holiday” is a shining example of what this ever-evolving project can achieve. It’s a vibrant ocean of sound, created from the threads of countless international influences, each musician bringing their own twist to the musical vacation. This track makes you want to dig deeper into their back catalog, to get lost in the worlds they’ve created over the years. It really shows the group’s ability to blend s disparate styles into something entirely new and undeniably catchy, and fun.
And let’s not forget the perfect timing of this release. With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, “We’re Going on a Holiday” couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune moment. It’s the aural embodiment of that pre-vacation giddiness, a soundtrack to flipping through travel brochures and daydreaming about exotic locales.
For anyone itching to escape the daily grind and embrace new adventures, this song is a must-listen. It’s an infectious celebration of travel, a reminder that the world is full of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered. So pack your metaphorical (or literal) bags, crank up the volume, and listen to this really cool track.