LA-based internet rapper, singer and producer 2hollis recently released a new album titled “star.” Consisting of 15 bite-sized tracks, this project is an interesting sequel to 2hollis’ last album, “boy,” which was focused more on heavily layered synth chords and loud explosions of sound reminiscent of 2014 EDM pop like Zedd.   

 While “star” still has explosive synth drops, they don’t hit the same as those on “boy.” Instead, 2hollis chooses to take a more minimalistic approach in this album, opting to cater more to an 808-heavy Ken Carson sound. However, he keeps all of his signature trademarks: bouncy bass, clicky mechanical percussion, synth arpeggios and breathy vocals, sounding like a mix of 2021 digicore rappers and weirdly early 2010s Justin Bieber.  

Speaking of which, 2hollis has pretty much become a new, revamped Justin Bieber for internet hip-hop/Drain Gang/Opium fans. He opened for Ken Carson’s Chaos tour, which catapulted him into fame. This new album is all about 2hollis grappling with his new heightened popularity. The first song, “flash,” is literally referring to the flash of paparazzi cameras.  

Despite all the moody and angsty lyrics, 2hollis doesn’t let it tamper the mood of his beats. His track “flash” speeds up into the climax with an explosive hardstyle bass, “burn” has a glitchy 2014 EDM festival sounding breakdown and “you” has bouncing bass and a chiptune synth solo at the end, which is sure to get crowds jumping at shows.  

The two-track bass-driven treat of “ego” and “sidekick” gets the listener hyped up and ready to mosh. Speaking of “ego” and “sidekick,” the seamless transition between them is satisfying, with “ego” acting as a hyper buildup to the drop of “sidekick,” a distorted yet groovy bass-boosted trap song.  

Even though I prefer his previous album, “star” is a moody, edgy and extremely moshable collection of bass-driven, snappy, glitchy and heavily processed electroclash/digicore dance. Its tracks are perfect for huge world tour stadium shows, which 2hollis will surely perform after this release.