Holding Absence Holds Nothing Back On Debut EP

Hailing from Cardiff, Wales, Holding Absence is set to release their debut self-titled album through SharpTone Records— known for Miss May I, We Came As Romans, and Of Virtue — next month on March 8th. Composed of vocalist Lucas Woodland, guitarists Chris Smitheram and Scott Carey, bassist James Joseph, and drummer Ashley Green, the post-hardcore quintet have also announced a UK headline tour that will kick off March 21th in Southampton and wrap up March 29th at The Underworld, London’s famed alternative music venue. San Diego hardcore-punk band Capsize will join Holding Absence for the tour.

The new self-titled EP marks the band’s first full-length album following a series of singles and a joint record with Liverpool heavy metal band, Loathe. “Lyrically and musically, we have pushed ourselves so hard to have an album that we fully feel represents this band in the best way possible,” Woodland says.

And the band’s efforts seem to have paid off. Off Holding Absence, “Like a Shadow” peals with the unbridled angst of emo lyricism, with Woodland’s ardent vocals ringing clear against soaring, spacious instrumentals. It’s a classic punk track, wrestling with the anguish of a failed romantic relationship. Woodland sings, “If the world’s on fire, I still won’t mind. Romantic stagnancy was softly killing me. You are heaven, deaf to what I say. Hell will surely listen but it never feels the same.”

“Perish” also deals with themes of loss and heartbreak. The track showcases the band’s musical skill. On the drums, Green crashes and rolls like ocean waves while guitarists Smitheram and Carey alternate between coaxing echoing notes from their strings and shredding. Meanwhile, Woodland draws an ethereal, melancholy verse before breaking into fervent lyrics. “Between the devil and the deep blue sea, between angels and infinity, there is a hideaway, a place to be for me,” Woodland sings. “And when I’m better you can set me free.”

Purchase tickets for Holding Absence’s UK tour here.

Tour Dates

March 21st - Southampton, Joiners
March 22nd - Birmingham, Flapper
March 23rd - Leeds, Key Club
March 24th - Hull, O Reilly’s
March 25th - Glasgow Garage
March 27th - Manchester Rebellion
March 28th - Cardiff Globe
March 29th - London Underworld