_Holland - No Control (16/01/2012)
_
With so many
indie/folk/alternative bands sprouting up in the last few years, it’s
refreshing to finally come
across a band that is actually doing it right for a change. Brisbane quartet Holland
is that band and, if what their
debut EP No Control indicates,
they are most certainly a band to keep an eye on.
Vastly devoid of the clichés that typify indie folk music (an over-reliance on acoustic guitar and pretentious lyrics), No Control is a refreshing reminder of just how good this type of music can be. There are two main reasons for this; the first being Jarryd Klapper’s outstanding vocal repertoire. Throughout the EP’s four tracks, Klapper’s voice remains the overarching drawcard, coming across as a combination of Jeff Buckley and Clint Boge in his mellower moments. The emotion Klapper fills his melodies with is stunning, with the title track and ‘Open Your Eyes’ being particular highlights.
The second thing to note with No Control is the chops of lead guitarist Shane Graham who is one of the main factors that help Holland stand out from the pack in terms of their music. ‘For You’ is a great example of this, where Graham’s very simple, yet beautiful guitar work is the highlight of the track, which is impressive given the track is a live recording. Including two live tracks on a four song EP would be seen by most as a risky move, however both ‘For You’ and the haunting ‘Interlude’ are near studio quality, showing that Holland have every aspect of their music perfected.
EP closer and arguably the finest track is ‘Open Your Eyes’ sees the amalgamation of Holland’s best elements with Klapper putting in his best vocal performance, whilst Graham’s guitar work only adds to the emotion of the song. It’s the type of thing Triple J and even commercial radio should be going nuts for.
If there were one word you could describe Holland’s debut with, it would be beautiful. No Control is packed full of beautiful vocals, instrumentation and melodies; all of which drawing the listener in before leaving them begging for more. With the release of No Control, Holland have set a new benchmark for indie music. A stunning preview of what is hopefully a long musical journey.
Billy Geary
Vastly devoid of the clichés that typify indie folk music (an over-reliance on acoustic guitar and pretentious lyrics), No Control is a refreshing reminder of just how good this type of music can be. There are two main reasons for this; the first being Jarryd Klapper’s outstanding vocal repertoire. Throughout the EP’s four tracks, Klapper’s voice remains the overarching drawcard, coming across as a combination of Jeff Buckley and Clint Boge in his mellower moments. The emotion Klapper fills his melodies with is stunning, with the title track and ‘Open Your Eyes’ being particular highlights.
The second thing to note with No Control is the chops of lead guitarist Shane Graham who is one of the main factors that help Holland stand out from the pack in terms of their music. ‘For You’ is a great example of this, where Graham’s very simple, yet beautiful guitar work is the highlight of the track, which is impressive given the track is a live recording. Including two live tracks on a four song EP would be seen by most as a risky move, however both ‘For You’ and the haunting ‘Interlude’ are near studio quality, showing that Holland have every aspect of their music perfected.
EP closer and arguably the finest track is ‘Open Your Eyes’ sees the amalgamation of Holland’s best elements with Klapper putting in his best vocal performance, whilst Graham’s guitar work only adds to the emotion of the song. It’s the type of thing Triple J and even commercial radio should be going nuts for.
If there were one word you could describe Holland’s debut with, it would be beautiful. No Control is packed full of beautiful vocals, instrumentation and melodies; all of which drawing the listener in before leaving them begging for more. With the release of No Control, Holland have set a new benchmark for indie music. A stunning preview of what is hopefully a long musical journey.
Billy Geary