{"id":163,"date":"2018-02-14T12:52:45","date_gmt":"2018-02-14T12:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/review-loathe-holding-absence-this-is-as-one\/"},"modified":"2018-04-14T22:20:36","modified_gmt":"2018-04-14T21:20:36","slug":"review-loathe-holding-absence-this-is-as-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/review-loathe-holding-absence-this-is-as-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Review:\u00a0Loathe \/ Holding Absence – This Is As One EP"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On paper, the pairing of Liverpudlian metallers Loathe<\/b> and Welsh atmospheric post-hardcore group Holding Absence<\/b> makes perfect sense. Both have been touted as ones to watch by many over the past 18 months and are riding a wave momentum into 2018.<\/p>\n

Although \u2018This Is As One\u2019<\/i> isn\u2019t entirely the collaborative EP some may think it is, it does offer a snapshot of both bands growing musically, blurring the lines of genre borders. Loathe<\/b> kick off proceedings, picking up where they left off with their twisting debut album, \u2018The Cold Sun\u2019<\/i>. ‘White Hot\u2019<\/i> doesn\u2019t hold back, jumping straight into a blast of abrasive, distorted vocals with a throbbing djent-esque bass line before finding their composure. With Kadeem France leading the way with serene vocals that are reminiscent of Chino Moreno.<\/p>\n

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Their second offering, ‘Servant and Master\u2019<\/i>, showcases their ever-expanding side. Briefly taking you into a false sense of security through its calm atmospherics, they soon pound you into submission with a heavy dose of pummeling drums, twisting guitars and a thick groove. While the gradual auto-tuned midway point effectively builds to a powerful conclusion.<\/p>\n

As for Holding Absence<\/b>, their stream of singles over the past 12 months continues with ‘Saint Cecilia\u2019<\/i>. Its harmonious, atmospheric undertone serves as its spine with Lucas Woodland\u2019s soaring vocals being its heartbeat. While its structure is brilliantly executed, complimenting Ashley Green\u2019s emphatic drums with anthemic guitars.<\/p>\n

‘Everything\u2019<\/i> is the icing on the cake. With the emphasis on creating an effective atmosphere, again the combination of Woodland\u2019s vocals and Green\u2019s sparse-yet-dense drums pays off. Its gradual build has a compelling quality.<\/p>\n

‘This Is As One\u2019<\/i> successfully pulls off the task of highlighting two emerging bands, both with their unique traits. Although it can easily be seen as a transitional release for Loathe<\/b> and Holding Absence<\/b>, the four songs on offer here are a good entry point to two bands who we will be seeing more of in the coming months.<\/p>\n

4\/5<\/p>\n