EP REVIEW: Split between Loathe and Holding Absence delves into diverse sounds on This Is As One

TO get a sense of where some of the modern sounds coming out in the hard rock/metal world are coming from a good starting place would be this split EP featuring Liverpool's Loathe and Holding Absence.

While enjoyable throughout there is a sense that this is what can wash over one when you stick on Scuzz or Kerrang. But, before dismissing the four tracks it is worth delving a bit deeper into the sounds.

It kicks off with a hardcore, metallic blast on Loathe's 'White Hot' before merging into a Deftones style chorus that despite the muscle tempers the track's conceptual and nu metal feel.

'Servant and Master' is perhaps the strongest song on the EP, with its dreamy sensibility, combined with moments of real heft that will have fans nodding along in appreciation.

Holding Absence's 'Saint Cecilia' has a touch of 30 Seconds to Mars about the soundscape they paint as it delivers verses driven on by an insistent beat. Annoyingly catchy in the best sense of the phrase.

'Everything' paired back slow tempo is the sort of track you can close your eyes and revel in the modernity that clearly shows what the band intends; and the frustration and glory of falling in love.

Loathe and Holding Absence are clearly sure in what they want to achieve with this split. With this and previous releases they now have an opportunity to build on this foundation and push their own visions further.

Review by Jonathan Traynor