Hollow Shift – Reload (2026)
Hollow Shift is back with Reload, an EP that leans even further into tension, movement, and atmosphere. From the first track, it’s clear they’re not interested in repeating themselves. Each song shows a different side of the duo, while still feeling like part of the same dark, electronic world.
‘Play The Game’ is a slow burn in the best way. The way the voice is used at the beginning almost feels more like an ambient soundscape than a song, and for a moment, I even got some unexpected oriental-leaning textures in the mix. When the track finally locks into its industrial pulse, it hits harder because of that patience. Around 2:55, when the instrumentation drops back and those earlier textures come back in, it feels hypnotic and slightly unsettling, like being pulled under again after catching your breath.
‘All Alone’ grabbed me straight away. This one taps into everything I love about synth-pop, with a darkwave edge that still feels emotional rather than cold. The harmonies in the chorus are beautifully layered and give the song an ethereal quality, almost floating above the beat. It is easily one of the highlights on the EP. If there’s one track that keeps pulling me back to Reload, it’s this one.
The title track ‘Reload’ is instantly catchy. From the first few seconds, it made me think of retro video game soundtracks, but with a heavier, moodier twist. What really stood out here is how raw the vocal feels compared to the other tracks. There are fewer effects and harmonies, which gives the song a more direct, almost confrontational energy. It’s also a great example of how Hollow Shift manage to keep each track distinct without breaking the overall flow of the EP.
‘Heat’ shifts gears again, this time leaning into pop-punk territory. The guitar work is strong and adds another layer to the EP’s sound, but this one didn’t stick with me as much as the others. At over five minutes, it feels a little long, especially compared to how tight and focused the rest of the tracks are.
Closing track ‘Fatal’ brings things back into darker, more atmospheric territory. The intro is quite repetitive and runs a bit long, and for a moment, I wondered if it was going to be instrumental. Once the vocals come in, though, the song really opens up. The stretched-out delivery of the lyrics makes them easier to sit with, and I loved how the music repeatedly pulls back to let the voice take centre stage. It’s a fitting way to end the EP, leaving things unresolved and slightly eerie.
Find out more about Hollow Shift on their official website, X, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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