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Holding Absence

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Holding Absence
Holding Absence performing at Download Festival Germany in 2022
Holding Absence performing at Download Festival Germany in 2022
Background information
OriginCardiff, Wales
Genres
Years active2015–present
LabelsSharpTone
Members
  • Lucas Woodland
  • Scott Carey
  • Benjamin Elliott
Past members
  • Zac Vernon
  • Giorgio Cantarutti
  • Feisal El-Khazragi
  • Chris Smitheram
  • James Joseph
  • Ashley Green
Websiteholdingabsence.com

Holding Absence are a Welsh rock band from Cardiff, Wales, formed in 2015. The group consists of lead vocalist Lucas Woodland, guitarist Scott Carey, and bassist Benjamin Elliott.

The band released an initial collection of singles in 2017, as well as a split EP with Loathe in 2018, before finally releasing their debut record, Holding Absence, in 2019. They are signed with SharpTone Records.

The band took their name from the title of the song "Holding Your Absence" by Hammock.

History

[edit]

2015–2018: Formation, singles and the This Is as One EP

[edit]

The band initially formed in 2015, fronted by vocalist Zac Vernon who appears on their first recorded and released tracks, including "Immerse" and "Luna". However, he soon parted ways with the band and formed Parting Gift[4] leaving the door open to Lucas Woodland of defunct outfit, Falling With Style.

Upon Lucas joining the band in 2016, Holding Absence released "Permanent", their debut single under this iteration.[5] The band would soon go on to follow up the release of "Permanent" with their contrasting single "Dream of Me", gaining the attention of US-based record label "Sharptone Records".[4]

In 2017, the band signed with SharpTone Records, with a physical release of the double-A side single Permanent/Dream of Me.[6] The following few months were spent touring the UK alongside several bands, including Blood Youth and We Are The Ocean, before eventually performing at the prestigious Download Festival in Donington.[7]

Soon after Download, the band released their third single "Penance", a six-minute track about "the journey towards happiness".[8] Before the year was out, the band toured the UK again supporting Young Guns,[9] and soon after released their fourth single "Heaven Knows".[10]

Before the end of the year,[when?] Holding Absence announced a surprise split EP with label mates Loathe, as well as releasing their fifth single "Saint Cecilia".[11] This Is as One was released in March 2018, accompanied by a unique co-headline tour with the two bands. According to Woodland, "the split came about both at a stage in our careers where we could have benefited from releasing music, but also we wanted to do something a little different".[12] This tour was Holding Absence's first foray into European territory and on the UK leg the bands opted to hand-pick the support acts for each date, including artists such as Sleep Token, Modern Error and Parting Gift.[13]

2018–2019: Line-up changes and the release of Holding Absence

[edit]

Soon after returning from the This Is as One tour, founding member and guitarist Feisal El-Khazragi left the band,[14] it was later announced that he had joined Loathe on bass duties.[15]

A new-look Holding Absence (including future guitarists Scott Carey and Chris Smitheram) made their first live appearances at Slam Dunk Festival,[16] before jetting off to Europe again, this time to support Being As An Ocean.[17] The band went on to win the Cardiff Music Award for "Best Breakthrough Band",[18] as well as being nominated at the Heavy Music awards for the "Best UK Breakthrough Band".[19] After finishing the summer by playing sporadic UK festivals Holding Absence went on to close the year off with their biggest tour yet supporting fellow UK post-hardcore band As It Is, alongside Trash Boat and Courage My Love.[12]

In support of this tour, Holding Absence released "Like a Shadow",[20] the first single off the, at the time, unannounced debut album. After the uncertainty with the band's line-up earlier in the year, "Like a Shadow" was seen as a reintroduction to the band and their new line-up.[21]

Later in the year, Holding Absence announced their debut, self-titled record would be released on 8 March 2019.[22] They released 3 more singles before the album release, "Perish",[23] "You Are Everything"[24] and "Monochrome".[25]

Woodland mentions in several interviews how hard the song-writing process was. In regards to El-Khazragi's leaving the band he said that the "line-up change happened not just mid-album, but mid-recording" and how the band "were left having to write and record another half of the album" without him.[26] The record was also recorded in two parts, which caused the band further complications while trying to get it finished. Woodland believes that the changes benefitted the record in the end, as tracks like "Wilt", "Monochrome" and "Like A Shadow" wouldn't have existed if the band remained in its original form.[27]

Holding Absence was finally released via Sharptone Records on 8 March and was instantly received well critically and commercially.[28] Kerrang! gave it 4 out of 5 Ks, stating that the album was a "brilliantly told tale of love and life, and a superb example of how to stretch the limits of what Post-Hardcore can achieve".[29] As well as giving the album a 9/10, Dead Press! expressed, though a long-time coming, Holding Absence "prove[d] that art cannot be rushed, relinquishing a stellar debut that bares the human soul, emotion, and conviction in abundance"[30] Loudwire named it one of the 50 best rock albums of 2019.[31]

In aid of the record release, Holding Absence started touring, playing some of their biggest UK shows to date,[citation needed] joined by Luke Rainsford and The Nightmares.[32] Holding Absence spent the remainder of the year touring Europe with Being As An Ocean and Counterparts in the summer, before returning again alongside Sleeping With Sirens in the winter.[citation needed]

2020–2022: Singles, The Greatest Mistake of My Life and The Lost & the Longing EP

[edit]

On 27 March 2020, the band released a new single entitled "Gravity".[33] On 17 April 2020, the band followed up with the release another new single "Birdcage", in conjunction with the release of a 7" picture disc including both "Gravity" and "Birdcage".[34][35]

On 21 October 2020, the band announced their second full-length album, The Greatest Mistake of My Life, and released its first single "Beyond Belief".[36][37] With the release of the second single "Afterlife" on 15 January 2021, Holding Absence announced the departure of bassist James Joseph on amicable terms.[38][39] On 19 March 2021, the third and final single from the album, "In Circles" was released.[40] The Greatest Mistake of My Life was released on 16 April 2021. It was elected by Loudwire as the 7th best rock/metal album of 2021,[41] and the 5th best rock/metal album of 2021 by Kerrang.[42]

On 8 June 2022, the band released a new single "Aching Longing", and announced a split EP with Alpha Wolf entitled The Lost & the Longing, set to be released on 15 August 2022 via SharpTone and Greyscale Records.[43] On 3 August 2022, the band released their second single "Coffin" from the EP.[44]

2023–present: The Noble Art of Self Destruction

[edit]

On 1 April 2023, in Leipzig, Germany on tour with Electric Callboy, the band debuted the first single "A Crooked Melody"[45] live off of their at the time unannounced new album, with the single being released soon thereafter on 6 April.[46] On 17 May, the band posted a teaser on social media which consisted of the previous albums' artwork be slowly torn off to reveal the corner of the new album cover.[47] On 19 May, the second single "False Dawn" was released,[48][49] along with the band announcing their third album The Noble Art of Self Destruction, to be released on 25 August 2023 via SharpTone Records.[50][51] On 23 June, the third single "Honey Moon" was released.[52] On 21 July, a fourth single "Scissors" was released.[53]

Vocalist and lyricist Lucas Woodland explained the meaning behind the album cover on social media mentioning it to be a completion of a trilogy, embracing oneself and it being like an art project.[54] In an interview with Rock Sound, he went into further depth behind the album title and artwork, mentioning how be was inspired by the Japanese art style of kintsugi of infusing glue with gold in how hardships in life can make you learn and grow as a person, and how you can learn from self-destruction no matter hard it may be and find something beautiful within it.[55]

On 28 October, 2024, it was announced that long-time drummer Ashley Green had parted ways with the band "for the foreseeable future", with the reason seemingly being related to touring. [56]

Members

[edit]
  • Ashley Green
    Ashley Green
  • Lucas Woodland
    Lucas Woodland
  • Scott Carey
    Scott Carey
  • Benjamin Elliott
    Benjamin Elliott

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Holding Absence discography
Studio albums3
EPs2
Singles21
Music videos18

Albums

[edit]
List of albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[58]
Holding Absence[59]
  • Released: 8 March 2019
  • Label: SharpTone
  • Format: Music download, CD and vinyl
 —
The Greatest Mistake of My Life
  • Released: 16 April 2021
  • Label: SharpTone
  • Format: Music download, CD and vinyl
 90
The Noble Art of Self Destruction[60]
  • Released: 25 August 2023
  • Label: SharpTone
  • Format: Music download, CD and vinyl
 67

EPs

[edit]
List of EPs, with selected details
Title EP details
This Is as One[61]
  • Released: 16 February 2018
  • Label: SharpTone
  • Format: Music download and Vinyl
  • Notes: Split EP with Loathe
The Lost & the Longing
  • Released: 15 August 2022
  • Label: SharpTone
  • Format: Music download
  • Notes: Split EP with Alpha Wolf

Singles

[edit]
List of singles
Title Year Album
"Immerse"[62] 2015 Non-album singles
"Luna"[63]
"Permanent/Dream of Me"[64] 2017
"Penance"[65]
"Heaven Knows"[66]
"Saint Cecilia"[67] This Is as One
"Like a Shadow"[68] 2018 Holding Absence
"Perish"[69] 2019
"You Are Everything"[70]
"Monochrome"[71]
"Gravity" 2020 Non-album singles
"Birdcage"
"Beyond Belief" The Greatest Mistake of My Life
"Afterlife" 2021
"In Circles"
"Aching Longing"(Featuring Alpha Wolf) 2022 The Lost & The Longing
"Coffin"
"A Crooked Melody" 2023 The Noble Art of Self Destruction
"False Dawn"
"Honey Moon"
"Scissors"

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos
Title Year Director Link
"Immerse" 2015 [72]
"Permanent" 2017 [73]
"Dream of Me" [74]
"Penance" Life Is Art Visuals and Holding Absence [75]
"Heaven Knows" Ashlea Bea and Holding Absence [76]
"Saint Cecilia" Zak Pinchin [77]
"Everything" 2018 [78]
"Like a Shadow" Zak Pinchin [79]
"Perish" 2019 [80]
"You Are Everything" Bethan Miller [81]
"Monochrome" Life Is Art Visuals [82]
"Gravity" 2020 Zak Pinchin [83]
"Beyond Belief" Lewis Cater [84]
"Afterlife" 2021 [85]
"In Circles" Zak Pinchin [86]
"Nomoreroses" Zak Pinchin and Bethan Miller [87]
"Coffin" 2022 Zak Pinchin [88]
"A Crooked Melody" 2023 Lewis Cater [89]
"False Dawn" Third Eye Visuals [90]
"Her Wings" Lewis Cater [91]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hofer, Tess (4 October 2019). "NEWS: Holding Absence confirm special London gig for December 2019!". Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  2. ^ Arroyo, Maria. "Alternative rock band, Holding Absence, sets the bar high with their fantastic new album, 'The Greatest Mistake of My Life' out now". That Music Mag.
  3. ^ Morgan, Tom. "How Holding Absence made their most hopeful album yet". Alternative Press. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b "INTERVIEW: Holding Absence (07/05/2017)". Dead Press!. 7 May 2017. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  5. ^ "VIDEO: Holding Absence – Permanent". Dead Press!. 19 August 2016.
  6. ^ "Sharptone Records sign Cardiff heavyweights Holding Absence—watch their new video – News – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  7. ^ "Interview: Holding Absence". 17 March 2017.
  8. ^ "Holding Absence discuss their new track, 'Penance'". www.punktastic.com.
  9. ^ "Holding Absence and Beyond Recall to support Young Guns on UK tour". www.punktastic.com.
  10. ^ "HOLDING ABSENCE BRING YOU 'HEAVEN KNOWS'". SharpTone Records. 27 September 2017.[dead link]
  11. ^ "Loathe & Holding Absence Present: This Is as One". SharpTone Records. 5 December 2017.[dead link]
  12. ^ a b "INTERVIEW: Holding Absence (27/05/2018)". Dead Press!. 5 June 2018.
  13. ^ "INTERVIEW: Lucas Woodland + Erik Bickerstaffe – Holding Absence / Loathe". 29 March 2018.
  14. ^ "Holding Absence". www.facebook.com.
  15. ^ "NEWS: Loathe enlist Feisal El-Khazragi (ex-Holding Absence) as new bassist!". Dead Press!. 17 May 2018.
  16. ^ "10 Photos Of Holding Absence Tearing Up The Rock Sound Breakout Stage At Slam Dunk North – Photos". Rock Sound Magazine.
  17. ^ "Holding Absence to support BEING AS AN OCEAN! | FrontView Magazine".
  18. ^ "The Cardiff Music Awards 2018 in Pictures – native.fm". www.native.fm.
  19. ^ "Loathe & Holding Absence Nominated for Heavy Music Awards UK!". SharpTone Records. 27 April 2018.[dead link]
  20. ^ "Holding Absence Release 'Like a Shadow' Video". SharpTone Records. 20 November 2018.[dead link]
  21. ^ Sievers, Alex. "Holding Absence Move 'Like A Shadow' On Newest Single". Killyourstereo.com.
  22. ^ "Holding Absence Have Announced The Details Of Their Debut Album – News". Rock Sound Magazine.
  23. ^ "Holding Absence Release Music Video for New Single 'Perish'". SharpTone Records. 11 January 2019.[dead link]
  24. ^ "Holding Absence Release Music Video 'You Are Everything'". SharpTone Records. 15 February 2019.[dead link]
  25. ^ "Holding Absence Release 'Monochrome' Music Video". SharpTone Records. 1 March 2019.[dead link]
  26. ^ "MUSIC INTERVIEW: Holding Absence". 6 March 2019.
  27. ^ "Interview: Holding Absence (27/03/2019)". Dead Press!. 18 April 2019.
  28. ^ "iTunesCharts.net: 'Holding Absence' by Holding Absence (British Albums iTunes Chart)". www.itunescharts.net.
  29. ^ "Your favorite newspapers and magazines" – via PressReader.
  30. ^ "Album Review: Holding Absence – Holding Absence". Dead Press!. 8 March 2019.
  31. ^ "The 50 Best Rock Albums of 2019". Loudwire. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  32. ^ "HOLDING ABSENCE Announce March UK Tour Opener And Partnership With 'Safe Gigs For Women'". Down The Front Media.
  33. ^ "Holding Absence – Gravity (New Music)". depthmag.com. 29 March 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  34. ^ "Holding Absence – Birdcage (New Music)". depthmag.com. 17 April 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  35. ^ "Holding Absence Release Brand New Single 'Birdcage'". rockyourlyrics.com. 20 April 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  36. ^ "NEWS: Holding Absence confirm second album, 'The Greatest Mistake of My Life'!". 21 October 2020.
  37. ^ "Holding Absence Announce New Album The Greatest Mistake Of My Life And Release First Single 'Beyond Belief'". originalrock.net. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  38. ^ "Holding Absence Release Anthemic New Single 'Afterlife'". BroadwayWorld. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  39. ^ "Post from Holding Absence". 16 January 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2023 – via Facebook.
  40. ^ "Holding Absence Premiere Stunning New Single and Video, In Circles". Kerrang!. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  41. ^ "The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021". Loudwire. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  42. ^ "The 50 best albums of 2021".
  43. ^ "Holding Absence and Alpha Wolf Announce Split EP, The Lost & the Longing". Kerrang!. 8 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  44. ^ "Holding Absence Share New Single Coffin: 'This Feels Like a Real Special Step Forwards for Our Band'". Kerrang!. 3 August 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  45. ^ Holding Absence – A Crooked Melody, retrieved 20 May 2023
  46. ^ "Holding Absence Return With New Single 'A Crooked Melody'". rocksound.tv. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  47. ^ "https://twitter.com/HoldingAbsence/status/1658918200409464832?s=20". Twitter. Retrieved 20 May 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  48. ^ Holding Absence - False Dawn, retrieved 20 May 2023
  49. ^ "Holding Absence Shine Bright and Beautiful on 'False Dawn' from Upcoming 3rd Album". wallofsoundau.com. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  50. ^ "https://twitter.com/HoldingAbsence/status/1659484114112634880?s=20". Twitter. Retrieved 20 May 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  51. ^ "HOLDING ABSENCE Announce Third Album, The Noble Art of Self Destruction". Kerrang!. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  52. ^ "Holding Absence Release New Lovesick Ballad 'Honey Moon'". rocksound.tv. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  53. ^ "Holding Absence Drop Intense New Single 'Scissors'". rocksound.tv. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  54. ^ "https://twitter.com/Lucaswoodland/status/1659665369903104009?s=20". Twitter. Retrieved 20 May 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  55. ^ "Holding Absence, Slam Dunk 2023 New Album 'The Noble Art Of Self Destruction' Interview". Retrieved 18 June 2023 – via YouTube.
  56. ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/DBqlRONtsjq/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
  57. ^ https://x.com/HoldingAbsence/status/1850855325949194313
  58. ^ "Holding Absence | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  59. ^ "Holding Absence - Holding Absence | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
  60. ^ "Holding Absence announce third album, The Noble Art Of Self Destruction". Kerrang!. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  61. ^ "This Is as One – Holding Absence, Loathe | Release Info | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  62. ^ "Holding Absence - 'Immerse' the Debut Single". 6 July 2015.
  63. ^ "Holding Absence – Luna".
  64. ^ "TRACK REVIEW: Permanent/Dream Of Me – Holding Absence – Distorted Sound Magazine". Distorted Sound Magazine. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  65. ^ "VIDEO: Holding Absence – Penance". Dead Press!. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  66. ^ "VIDEO: Holding Absence – Heaven Knows". Dead Press!. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  67. ^ "Holding Absence – Saint Cecilia (Track Of The Day, 12th December)". Depth Magazine. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  68. ^ Peterson, Courtney (21 November 2018). "Holding Absence 'Like A Shadow' – Turned Up Louder". Turn It Up Louder. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  69. ^ "Holding Absence – Perish (New Music)". Depth Magazine. 18 January 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  70. ^ "Holding Absence release new music video for 'You Are Everything'". Distorted Sound Magazine. 17 February 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  71. ^ "Holding Absence unveil Monochrome music video from debut album". RUSHONROCK. 3 March 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  72. ^ "Holding Absence - Immerse (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)". 21 June 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  73. ^ "Holding Absence - Permanent (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)". 10 February 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  74. ^ "Holding Absence - Dream Of Me (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)". 10 February 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  75. ^ "Holding Absence - Penance (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)". 16 June 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  76. ^ "Holding Absence - Heaven Knows (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)". 27 September 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  77. ^ "Holding Absence - Saint Cecilia (OFFICIAL VIDEO)". 4 December 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  78. ^ "Holding Absence - Everything (OFFICIAL VIDEO)". 16 February 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  79. ^ "Holding Absence - Like A Shadow (Official Music Video)". 18 November 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  80. ^ "Holding Absence - Perish (Official Music Video)". 10 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  81. ^ "Holding Absence - You Are Everything (Official Music Video)". 14 February 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  82. ^ "Holding Absence - Monochrome (Official Music Video)". 28 February 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  83. ^ "Holding Absence - Gravity (Official Music Video)". 27 March 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  84. ^ "Holding Absence - "Beyond Belief"". 21 October 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  85. ^ "Holding Absence - Afterlife". 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  86. ^ "Holding Absence - In Circles". 19 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021 – via YouTube.
  87. ^ "Holding Absence - nomoreroses". 9 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021 – via YouTube.
  88. ^ "Holding Absence - Coffin". 3 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022 – via YouTube.
  89. ^ "Holding Absence - A Crooked Melody". 6 April 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023 – via YouTube.
  90. ^ "Holding Absence - False Dawn". 19 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023 – via YouTube.
  91. ^ "Holding Absence - Her Wings". 25 August 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023 – via YouTube.
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