Hollows

Chicago indie band Hollows formed in 2009 after bassist Emma Hospelhorn responded to a Craigslist advertisement placed by local keyboardist and vocalist Maria Jenkins. At the time Jenkins performed with Parsley Flakes and had begun composing material that fell outside that group’s style. The pair recruited local drummer Shane Lobotomy and guitarist Megan Kasten to complete the initial roster. Regional gigs followed quickly, and the quartet finished work on its self-titled 2009 debut. Critics responded favorably to the band’s girl-group aesthetic laced with darker undercurrents, prompting the Chicago Tribune to name Hollows among its “Eleven Bands to Watch in 2011.” In 2011 the group parted ways with Lobotomy, installing Jason Davlantes in his place, and later added percussionist and harmony vocalist Hannah Harris. A handful of 7" singles appeared on independent local imprints before the 2012 release of the band’s second album, Vulture. On that record Hollows expanded its approach through intricate vocal arrangements and understated chamber-pop details.