Spanning from dark rock intrigue to anthemic risers, Druids And Bards is the new album from Holy Coves, a band based in Holy Island, Anglesey. Working with Texas-based producer Erik Wofford (The Black Angels / Explosions In The Sky), the band excels with a dynamic yet accessible rock sound with ample tonal variety throughout the album’s nine tracks.
The initial post-punk crawl of “The Hurt Within” shows the band’s more nocturnal tones, accompanied fittingly by a brooding vocal affinity. Lyrics referencing the stinging pain that love can bring on resonate amidst the atmospheric guitar murkiness. “I thought I healed my skin, love is cruel,” the vocals let out, accompanied by brisk percussion and intensifying guitars in the second half. “The Hurt Within” is exemplary of the band’s strong songwriting and atmospheric rock production.
Brighter, punchier efforts also engage through the release. “Grey” enamors with an anthemic rock allure. “Everything is hopeless when you’re grey,” the vocals resonate with, the downcast tones contrasting with twangy guitar delights into a sense of ’90s alt-rock nostalgia. “Until I Fall” is another highlight, featuring excitable guitar work and an overall briskness that stands out, especially in the haunting “been waiting,” vocal devastation. Druids and Bards is chock full of memorable efforts like these.
Druids and Bards was released last month via Yr Wyddfa Records. Stream it below:
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“The Hurt Within” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2022’ Spotify playlist.
