Format: Album
Label: Brew Records
Release Date: 30/04/12
It appears that for reasons best known to themselves, Holy State’s debut album will also be their last. The Norwich four piece, who embarked on an arena tour with Biffy Clyro, recently decided to call it a day, thus leaving this collection of twelve tracks as their defining legacy.
As far as their music credentials go, their sound sits comfortably between early 90s post-hardcore and lo-fi indie rock, so comparisons with the likes of Hot Snakes and At The Drive In are most telling here. But there’s much more to enjoy on this album – like the urgent, fast-paced “Dial M For Monolith”, which manages to mix impressive riffs, drums and vocals, and “Medicine Hat”, another satisfyingly heavy outpouring. Watch out too for the great brass opening on “Brain Caves” and the light grunge tones in “Dreamboat”. The highlight is the Les Say Fav-esque “Solid State Messiah”which finds the underbelly of post-hardcore gloom.
Overall, this is a decent sounding record, and it’s just a shame they won’t be following it up any time soon (or ever). Whatever future projects they may be involved in, they’re certainly worth keeping an eye out for. The band have one final tour planned around May, so for those who have considered going to see them and never quite made it, now really is the time to act!
 |
Album Rating: 8/10 |
|
FFO: Hot Snakes, At The Drive In, Les Savy Fav |
