There was an electricity in the air around Tāmaki Makarau’s Powerstation last night as fans lined the streets waiting to get inside for the highly anticipated 2Hollis.
There was steez aplenty as attendees dressed to impress, the show that had been sold out for weeks announcing yesterday that the opening act was going to be none other than Rommulas, an artist that has been part of 2Hollis’s and nate sibs inner circle for quite some time, but who has now stepped into the light and created his own take on the rather niche underground hyperpop-rap scene.
Arriving on stage to a screaming horde, Rommulas quickly ditched his shirt, waistcoat, and sunglasses within the first couple of tracks, preferring to play out the rest of his set shirtless while using the entire, completely bare stage to his advantage.
Proudly embracing his Mexican heritage, the national flag tied to the end of his microphone, the young artist who recently released the brilliant EP ANIMÁL at the end of last year, seamlessly moved between Spanish and English.
Throwing down tracks such as No Me Importa, Mira, insane and of course the collab with 2Hollis that thrust him into the limelight left to right, Rommulas delivered a short but punchy set that was only slightly marred by the distortion on some tracks being a little high which muffled his rapping.
One to watch as he carves out his own place in the wider scene.
A short interlude and as the lights dropped the screams rose, penetrating the very walls themselves, as 2Hollis stepped out onto the stage, his bleach blonde locks framing a simple white t-shirt and black jeans combo.
Hollis Parker Frazier-Herndon aka 2Hollis was born with music in the blood, the son of drummer John Herndon of Tortoise and mom Kathryn Frazier co-founder of the record label Owsla (along with none other than Skrillex), 2Hollis cites everyone from Chief Keef and Daft Punk to A Tribe called Quest and Otis Redding as his musical icons and influences.
But 2Hollis wasn’t always known as his current name, instead he first broke onto the scene under the pseudonym Drippysoup before evolving from the often described Minecraft styled electronica to his current creation which at its base is EDM but wrapped in a technicolour shell that embodies elements of Hyperpop, Glitchcore and experimental hip-hop with nods to the originators of cloud rap.
Known now as a predominantly solo artist and producer, earlier days saw 2Hollis as part of the OSX Collective – aka the Tenflower collective – alongside other artists such as Circleain and Sighsare and credited with creating the genre “chainmail”.
But last night it was all about his solo work, the run of headliner shows part of The Star Tour, 2Hollis coming out strong to a bevy of white lasers from three simple columns behind him, strobing lights making his hair glow like an ethereal creature.
But as nerve from his latest album star began, the stage was bathed in blood red, the music propelling the fans to jump on the spot before he swung straight into tell me from the same album which sent everyone into a frenzy.
It’s a beautiful night! he declared with arms spread wide, the white t-shirt now cast aside. The audience certainly agreeing with him. For some it was the second time they were able to witness one of their favourite artists live, 2Hollis having played Laneway just last year. But for many, this was their first experience, and they were going to soak up every second of it.
trauma was quickly followed by the more melodic cope which was concluded with a humble “thank you” at the end, two bad from the 2024 album boy, ensuring that even the parents dragged along by the kids upstairs (2Hollis being an all-ages show) were even bopping their heads to the dance vibe hit, its feel good energy that emanated from it hard to ignore.
Dropping back further into his catalogue, poster boy from the 2023 album 2, had every word shouted back at him, before nice dropped in with those glitch beats.
I love you – thank you! 2Hollis periodically reminding his fans that he was appreciative of their love and energy that was pouring from them throughout the show, four girls on the balcony waving an American flag the entire time.
Some tracks were cut down, 2Hollis keen it seemed to give everyone what they were wanting, the sound of rain often heard between each song.
gold once again seeing the lyrics chanted at full volume, crush with the poppy beats ushering in style. By now the squeeze down front was getting hectic and 2Hollis could see it, briefly pausing to request that everyone take “three steps back” from the stage, “thank you, I love you guys” he reiterated before handing out water and encouraging people to share it. Kudos to an artist who cares about his audience.
teenage soldier was a welcome surprise as was a touching rendition of eldest child, which saw 2Hollis slow down for a moment as he took a mic stand and was accompanied by an acoustic guitarist, the track showcasing a rather impressive singing voice stripped back of the usual effects.
sidekick, whiplash/cliché and FORFEIT all featured in the set, influences of the aforementioned sound cloud rap peeking through, light a romantic tune in many ways building up to explosions of vivacity accompanied by high pitched happy pop sounds.
But the night was drawing to a close, and the crowd knew what was coming; jeans, the larger-than-life 2023 track seeing Powerstation bend under the feet of the bouncing crowd. 2Hollis giving them exactly what they wanted by playing the track not once, not twice but three times in a row, something he has been doing across this tour, the fans going harder each time it played.
Leaving the stage, the audience chanted for one more song. 2Hollis returning and playing – you guessed it – jeans one more time.
Until we meet again, I love you, it’s going to be even bigger next time, have a good night!
And with that 2Hollis was gone – his fans drenched in sweat and grins plastered on their faces, making their way out into the cool night air while already counting down the days of when they could next witness their hero.
Sarah Kidd