The new Holding Absence/Loathe split EP, “This Is As One”, is a breathtaking achievement

If you’re not familiar with Holding Absence and/or Loathe, it’s time to get acquainted. Both of these bands are two of the spectacular roster members that upstart label Sharptone Records has assembled, and in just a short time, perhaps the most important. Both bands give off somewhat different, yet similar vibes. It’s mainly in both Holding Absence and Loathe’s convictions to create music that is familiar, yet off the beaten path enough to remain intriguing and interesting. So how did the band ace that test on their new split EP, This Is As One? With flying colors.

This Is As One contains just 2 new songs from each band, “Everything” and “Saint Cecilia” for Holding Absence, and “White Hot” & “Servant and Master” for Loathe. On the Holding Absence side of things, “Saint Cecilia” is possibly the best song they’ve written to date, with a chorus that is nothing short of breathtaking. The band is superbly adept at blending a hodgepodge of musical genres together – post-hardcore, tinges of metal, post-rock, and even mid-90’s emo – and it’s honestly such a well-written anthem that any fan of forward-thinking rock music needs to take notice of. Meanwhile, you have “Everything”, a slow-burning, post-rock/ambient influenced track that is sure to be a fan favorite.

On the Loathe side of things, you have previously-released track “White Hot”, which is a total metalcore (maybe?) banger that evokes both Code Orange and some Deftones-esque choruses that the band hasn’t really attempted before. In fact, this might be the track that really makes new fans pay attention. You also have “Servant and Master”, which roars along like an industrial-influenced old Architects track (think Ruin-era Architects), but then shifts into an almost ethereal, sludgy break that is completely unexpected.

Both these bands have a clear mission statement; to create music that exists within their preferred genres (which are already hard to define), but also to experiment outside of standard convention. In a sea of of similar metalcore and post-hardcore bands who are quite clearly writing music that doesn’t challenge themselves and only to earn a paycheck, Holding Absence and Loathe stand out. This is why both bands are on metaphorical fire right now coming out of the British underground, and This Is As One is proof that both will succeed in the effort.

You can stream both “Saint Cecilia” and “Servant and Master” on our “Modern Rock” and “New Blood” curated Spotify playlists below. This Is As One drops Friday, February 16th.