Holland Ep Review

As I listen to “A forest, A river” I become filled with an elated feeling of joy, finally a band who can harmonise vocals with a beautiful drum beat. The lyrics in the song are beautiful too, the line “A soundtrack to the only happiness you know” is pretty apt at the moment. Sounding like “The Killers” meets “Mumford” (Minus the banjo)
Then, as it fades out in comes a faster song.
Everything you know is lost but us” Comes at you like a moderately paced hurricane, the speed’s there but still containing all of the melody of the previous song. The lyrical prowess shown so far gives me high hopes for this EP. “Landscapes” Comes in very instrumental, gentle strumming, then soft vocals, Sounding like Brian Molko of placebo (again less whiny but still as soft) The riff in the background is entrancing, you feel like you’re floating. Then the chorus comes in and you can’t help but hum along, you give yourself over to this. “Wake” is slightly different to the three songs prior the guitar is a little heavier and the lyrics a little darker, yet still you can’t help enjoying the music, it’s like being at a funeral where you can’t stop enjoying the tune, you know it’s dark but at the same time it’s frighteningly beautiful.
 “Our friend the obstacle” is where this band really kicks in, with an upbeat intro to match Mr Brightside. It stays melodic while building up. But there’s no payoff, don’t get me wrong it’s a pleasant song but it seems to be a build up to nothing (aside a mild instrumental in the middle)
“Deafening Waves” Is a great song, melodic and pleasing, Less upbeat than the others. But the title seems to give that away.
“Havant” Sounds a little Funeral for a Friend, the first few seconds sound like into oblivion and then the vocals sound like them too, The Bass outdoing the guitar is a nice touch, makes this song rather sweet.

 Finally there’s “On a wave” What a perfect outing track, slow and soothing, you find it a nice fade out with a perfectly executed solo at the end, then leading into the eventual fade.
 Overall EP rating, 4/5 – Nice to listen to, soothing, great listen.
I look forward to hearing more of this band in the future, sounding like Funeral for a friend meets killers, placebo and emery all in one this band contains aspects of greatness that can be utilised to their strength. Watch this space Holland are going to hit England and I want to be here when they do.