HOLDING ABSENCE – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Photo Bethan Miller
By Ralph Beauchamp
Welsh powerhouse, Holding Absence are releasing their new full length entitled Modern Life Is Lonely via Sumerian Records on 9/18. Holding Absence is composed of Lucas Woodland (Lead Vocals/Keys/Guitar), Scott Carey (Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Benjamin Elliot (Bass). Modern Life Is Lonely was produced by Daniel Braunstein.
Holding Absence have created a sound that lives on the edge. They have taken elements of alt metal and post-hardcore and added traces of emo intonations in order to deliver music that is both refreshing and modern. Their songs feature dynamic guitar riffs and layered cinematic explosions. Woodland’s vocals can be either fiercely destruction or extremely melodic. They also incorporate atmospheric tangents that allow their tracks to breathe with audacity.
Emotion is the center plot of Holding Absence‘s sound. Their themes highlight human frailties. Heartbreak, love, insecurity and resilience all take main stage. Once again, Woodland’s voice carries the weight. His vocals convey an emotive rawness that easily captures the listener. In addition, Carey’s guitar drops dramatic inflections while Elliot’s percussion punches with dynamic clout. Add inventive songwriting to the mix and you have a band that is ready to explode.
Holding Absence have dropped four definitive singles off of the upcoming release. Each spotlights a distinct aspect of the band’s evolution. Title track, “Modern Life Is Lonely” spotlights the dichotomy between hard hitting rhythms and fragile nuances. For most of the song, Woodland’s vocals incorporates subtle intonations but as the tune progresses, the cadence becomes chaotic and destructive. This a perfect example of the duality Holding Absence loves to deliver.
“Lucid Love” is a bit more upbeat with pop accents. It’s a soaring, emotionally charged post-hardcore track that captures the push and pull between devotion, vulnerability, and heartbreak. Built around soaring guitars, swelling melodies, and Lucas Woodland’s impassioned vocals, the song moves between delicate introspection and explosive catharsis.
“Whisper of a Dream” is another track that captures the true identity of Holding Absence. Manically aggressive, the song hits with authority while remaining accessible and real. “Reflection” is a deeply introspective and melancholic song that explores self-doubt and emotional isolation. The track mirrors the pain within with passages of unhinged tension and crushing anguish. “Reflection” balances beauty and heaviness, turning personal torment into something expansive and ultimately purifying.
With Modern Life Is Lonely, Holding Absence have given the universe a lavish piece of art. The tracks distribute both beauty and frailty while still remaining compelling and potent. The band has matured into a driving juggernaut. Give them a listen. You will not be disappointed.
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