Album Review: Hold Close – Time

Sign of the Times

As we languish in the most un-tropical of depressions, we hold fast to the idea that time is a great healer. Personally, I’ve yet to see any evidence as we wade through the quagmire of our existence, our endeavours bearing fruit that is bitter. Hailing from Springfield (MILLHOUSE!) we begin with a Beatle-esque “Time” a 60’s feel, a little hippy, a little chilled.

“Hang Tight” reminds me of another new band, Project Revise (worth checking out my friends) great riffs, friendly and hospitable, necessary in this dirt ridden society of ours, There is a gentleness too, a fun-loving spirit, as we are enticed to dance gaily around the mulberry bush.

With “Cast Me Away” I’m reminded of Y & T (David Meniketti- oh yeah) and Bad Company, non-violent metal, a nice change from the head crushing variety.

“Who will be the first to drown?” An interesting question from our friends here, as once again the topic of mental illness is addressed, it is handled with more subtlety; but is nevertheless quite engaging and informative. There are beautiful harmonies throughout; this is one carousel you don’t want to get off from.

“Absent to Reality”, I think we’re all a bit guilty of that really. We encounter the clouds, the stars, and the moon in “Cloud9” and following with the two- minute wonder that is “Aura” you begin to believe that “time will always heal”.

A philosophical ending to this record in “Separation” with the quite thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrics

“Why can’t we make the best of our bad situation?”

We finish with the quite hypnotic and quite floaty “time will always heal” which has been the common thread (unlike Shikari’s Common Dreads y’understand) which fades out and we are left to ponder the numerous questions that remain unanswered regarding time and all that it represents.

As they say, procrastination is the thief of time, so get a wiggle on my friends and waste no time in acquiring this elegant little number.