New Jersey's Black Hollies emerged in 2005 with a mix of '60s-styled garage rock, psychedelia, and gritty soul. Initially formed as a side project by three members of the hard rock group Rye Coalition, the quartet signed with Brooklyn's Ernest Jennings Record Co. and officially debuted in 2006 with the self-produced Crimson Reflections. Bandmates Justin Angelo Morey (vocals, bass), Herb Wiley (guitar), Scott Bolasci (drums), and Jon Gonnelli (guitar) supported the release with a slew of live dates, during which they played alongside fellow garage rock revivalists the Fleshtones and began tailoring their clothing to reflect the songs' retro appeal. Bolasci left the band and was replaced by Nick Ferrante, and the Black Hollies returned to their '60s state of mind with 2008's Casting Shadows. One year later, they chose to record at an outside studio for the first time, resulting in the release of the atmospheric, organ-fueled Softly Towards the Light in early October. ~ Andrew Leahey