“It’s good to be here” lead singer Simon Jones remarks. “It’s good to have you” responds a punter.
Having rather dropped off the radar for the past two years, The Holidays have finally emerged from the deep seas and brought with them a golden treasure of incredible new tracks.
After releasing three EPs and the multi-award winning debut album Post Paradise, avid fans can keep those expectations sky high for the new album set to drop early in 2014.
Opening the curtains to a solid crowd, Jones literally welcomed the audience to their new adventure. Their excitement to be playing gigs again was evident and a beautiful quality to witness.
Within their tropical dream-pop sounds they were able to hold the audience captive and instigate a mesmerising journey to illustrate their sonic exploration. Detailing the difficulty of introducing their new sounds to the public, Jones didn’t shy from his apparent anxiousness but the crowd had no complaints.
‘Please Forget This’ was the first introduction to their darker and somewhat heavier makings, providing an insight into their new direction. Thankfully still remaining true to their aesthetic, the bongos made their appearance. Without hearing its entirety, it could be too preemptive to call but ‘All Time High’ could be the track of the album.
Slightly more up-tempo, its enchanting hooks and differing vocals cajole within the depths of every beat. The first and only single ‘Voices Drifting’ off their forthcoming album , separated the crowd between who’d obviously taken an interest in their new path and those just there for the past.
Despite Jones’ slight warning of “let’s take things up a notch”, ‘Morning Workout’ was the surprise of the night. The eight-minute track with a heavy drum beat and howling vocals, unleashed a new side to The Holidays. Combining strobes and ferocious energy against a more mellow serenade, it encompassed the diversity and growth developed within the band.
The ten-track set-list incorporated Post Paradise favourites such as ‘Days’, ‘6AM’, ‘Broken Bones’ and closed with second single ‘Golden Sky’. Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t truly embrace the atmospheric potential until ‘Golden Sky’ which had the unified crowd shouting the “alright, alright’s” and moving fervently.
Despite the chants for an encore, it was to no avail. The void of ‘Moonlight Hours’ could’ve potentially been the perfect conclusion.
Slightly drifting from the sunny beaches and moving towards a deeper layer of darkness, The Holidays provide a beautiful energy to their stage presence. Most notably, the exact resemblance of their live sounds against their recordings is beyond impressive. 2014 may already have a contender for album of the year.
