Holding Onto Sound “The Sea” review
Holding Onto Sound
Holding Onto Sound
Bennett Mains– Vocals/Guitars
Zabi Naqshband – Bass/Vocals
Robert Gates – Guitar
Vanessa Tidwell – Drums
*review by Daryl BK
Holding Onto Sound is a 4 piece out of Las Vegas playing punk rock music that is inspired to change the standard guidelines put in place years ago. The band is yet to be signed to a label as they have remained relatively underground. Another reason for their obscurity maybe due to the fact that they have a very small internet footprint, a quick google search will bounce you around to multiple sites, none of which are very intuitive.
At any rate, HOTS has released another album. “The Sea†is their first album getting major circulation through the duel release of 2 record labels, National Southwestern and Geykido Comet Records. They obviously put plenty of time and energy into the recording; I only wish they would do the same to the promoting of the band and album. Without having previous knowledge of this band you would never find them.
Available Now!!!
Tracklist:
1. Questions 4:41
2. Land of do as You Please 4:04
3. Tommy Boy 2:00
4. Brother 3:10
5. The Sea 5:23
6. The Black Death 3:24
7. Dynamite & Gun 2:01
8. Running Rampant 3:07
9. Watery Grave 2:48
10. The Natural Order 3:23
11. Song for the Soldier 5:02
The first time I listened to the album I heard the beaten rape baby of The Bronx, Against Me! and maybe Modest Mouse. I just could not get into the music. Not sure what happened in my day, or what I was listening to the instant before I put them back on for their second try, but what I heard was startlingly different. And for the good this time. HOTS play a type of fused punk/folk/melodic music that is situational music at best.  Music is structured very clean, though it keeps its rough sound. The Sea comes screaming out of the gates with the fast tempo “Questions†track which remains one of my favorite songs to date. The title track from the album is one of their best structured songs, lyrical content matches the tempo as well as anyone can do. Bennett’s vocals are the perfect pairing with the retro distorted guitar strokes that Mr. Gates lays down. For once there is a melodic band that doesn’t sound to whinny or isn’t trying to lay too much screamo into it. I now know what it is to have a band grow on you. Previously I would just have passed.
Hopefully with this release and a bit of road time they will break out of anonymity and gain some accolades that they surly are deserved of.
Pick up Holding Onto Sound’s “The Sea†(If you can find it)
Be sure to check out Holding Onto Sound on the date below, check the links for future shows.
Jul 1           The Korova     San Antonio, TX
To learn more about HOTS, check out:
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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