Lonely City

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track Lonely City by Hollins Ferry, a gem from their 1977 self-titled album that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This song, penned by guitarist Rob Fahey, stands out for its gritty yet melodic power pop sound, showcasing the band’s ability to blend tough guitar riffs with their signature Beatles-esque charm. A review on Bad Cat’s Favorite Tunes gives it four stars, praising Nick Longo’s unforgettable rhythm guitar riff that hooks listeners instantly. The song’s raw energy is captured in a YouTube clip, where fans can hear its jangly, head-sticking glory. Interestingly, a comment from Nick Longo’s son on the same blog post proudly agrees about the riff’s classic status, adding a personal touch to the song’s legacy. The track’s vibe paints a vivid picture of urban isolation, resonating with the Zoo Freaks who love its retro yet timeless feel.

Another cool tidbit comes from the band’s drummer, Tony Vega, who commented on a Wilfully Obscure blog post, teasing that the Hollins Ferry album, including Lonely City, was set to be remastered for digital release with a new album to follow. While no official update confirms this, it sparked excitement among fans hoping for a revival. The song also caught the attention of NTS Radio, where it was played on Launette’s Hour in 2019, cementing its cult status among power pop enthusiasts. Fans on SoundCloud, where Rob Fahey Music streams the track, continue to celebrate its infectious melody, with some calling it a “criminally overlooked” classic from the Baltimore trio’s sole album.

Hollins Ferry emerged from Baltimore’s vibrant club scene in the mid-1970s, a trio of talented musicians—Rob Fahey (guitar, vocals), Nick Longo (bass, keyboards, guitars, vocals), and Tony Vega (drums). According to a detailed review on Rate Your Music, the band gained local popularity but struggled to break through nationally. After sending demos to major labels with no success, they took matters into their own hands, self-producing their debut album on the small Port City Records label in 1977. Influenced heavily by The Beatles, Badfinger, and Emitt Rhodes, their sound was a polished mix of progressive pop and melodic rock, with Lonely City as a standout. Fahey, a key songwriter, brought a progressive edge from his earlier band, Wizard, while Longo and Vega added intricate harmonies and tight instrumentation. The band’s live performances, like those captured on Maryland PBS and available on YouTube, showcased their dynamic stage presence, with Longo notably playing a left-handed Hofner violin bass.

Though Hollins Ferry disbanded after their debut, their music lives on through dedicated fans and online communities. Rob Fahey, who later found success with The Ravyns, maintains an active presence at www.rob-fahey.com, though it focuses more on his solo work. The band’s Facebook page serves as a hub for nostalgic fans, sharing memories and rare photos. On Instagram, the hashtag #HollinsFerry occasionally pops up with fan posts, though no official band account exists. Similarly, X has sporadic mentions from music enthusiasts sharing links to the band’s tracks. A notable fan community thrives on The Ravyns/Hollins Ferry Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees of Fahey’s projects swap stories, vinyl finds, and performance clips. While no official fan websites are active, blogs like Wilfully Obscure and comments from fans like Charles Nixon, who saw the band live in the ’70s, keep the spirit of Hollins Ferry alive for the Zoo Crew and their Freaks.