By Daffs (TwoDaff)

Championed by Gary Crowley on BBC Radio London and Playlisted on Amazing Radio’s A List, airplay on Radio 6 by Steve Lamacq and with BBC Radio Wales support from Huw Stephens and Adam Walton, North Wales Indie-Psych Band Holy Coves have had quite a year so far. They share a brand-new single called ‘Away We Go’ before their highly anticipated new ‘Druids and Bards’ album was released via Yr Wyddfa Records on the 14th of October.

Through long-time friend and Producer David Wrench, ‘Holy Coves’ were put in touch with Texan Producer Erik Wofford (The Black Angels / Explosions in The Sky) and have built quite a magical working relationship, one where Wofford found himself on Mixing and Mastering duties for the material and certainly contributes to their new sound.

Formed in 2005 by Singer songwriter Scott Marsden, they are not your run of the mill band. For each project Scott brings in musicians from many genres complementing the sound and allowing the music to shine. After the release of their debut album back in 2008 ‘The ‘Lizzies Ynys Mon’ which was followed by an EP and then a further two singles which were included on the album ‘Peruvian Mistake’ released in 2012, after which Scott took a break due to personal struggles after the death of his manager and best friend.

Now almost 10 years later, Scott has put together a new line up (and what a line up) for the recording of this fantastic new album. The new line up consists of John Lawrence on guitar (Formerly – Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci), Owain Ginsberg on guitar & synths (Formerly -WE//ARE//ANIMAL, Hippies Vs Ghosts, The Heights), Jason Hughes on bass (Formerly – The Painkillers), and Spike T Smith on drums (Formerly – Morrissey, The Damned, New York Dolls).

“Packed with emotive passion”

Opening with Away We Go, a track that stamps a hallmark for the rest of the album and gives a hint of the masterpiece that is to come. It’s filled with exhilarating driving drums with a heady blend of strummed guitars and heavier distorted riffs giving an almost grunge feel. Scott’s voice is immense, packed with emotive passion that rings true on every single track. Its almost mournful through the verses before it erupts on the chorus. Lyrically its intense and this intensity is vividly apparent in the vocal delivery. A fantastic opener.

Next up we have another release (March 2022) ‘The Hurt Within’ atmospheric, almost haunting with heavy synth backdrop yet it has a real powerful groove that builds. This track has many layers, jangly chiming guitars are fused with a more psychedelic tones It all blends perfectly and then on top of all that there is the glorious vocal, again powerful and emotive, soaring and melodic’

“A tremendous fuzz filled hook”

My favourite track is next ‘Small or Nothing’ this has a tremendous fuzz filled hook that drives on and on. It’s got a real energetic groove. Its anthemic, packed full of fantastic riffs, pummelling drums, deep resonating bass lines. It has to be played loud, very loud. Again, Scott’s vocal is fantastic. This is my go-to track on this album I just love it.

Up next is ‘Another Day’ a change in pace and texture initially, before building to crescendo, almost cinematic, full of tension and drama, again hints at addiction and overcoming the pain. Its powerful, multi-layered, with driving drums and melodic synths. Its rich and resonating. Fantastic!

“Full of tension and drama”

Desert Storm is next and this was a previously released as a single earlier in the year. Starting with a real stomping groove, layered with haunting psychedelic synths and accompanied by a soul stirring vocal that twists and turns throughout. This is followed by the melodic Welcome to the real world, a much softer sound for this one, glorious chiming guitars shimmer and shine. The vocal is amazing, and really punches through the soundscape. Its clean and has a vibrancy that is almost uplifting.

“Haunting psychedelic synths”

Until I fall is catchy, melodic and has for me, a completely different vibe from the majority of the other tracks, full of chiming guitars and a punchy rhythm with yet another 5-star vocal, its rich in tone and has a deep luxurious feel. The final track is ‘taste The Wine and what a way to finish an album. Glorious melodies chime from the guitars, at just over 7 minutes it’s the longest track, yet I feel that I want more. It has a deep resonance; guitars are rich in tone and are layered with glorious lead fills and numerous solo’s that leave you mesmerised almost hypnotised. This is a really addictive track and a fantastic way to close an album

“A deep resonance”

Holy Coves have a masterpiece on their hands with Druids and Bards. It’s an expressive, emotion fuelled journey. If I am totally honest, I can’t fault this at all. Every track hits home, its clear that Scott’s experiences have been heart-breaking and, in my opinion, often impossible and these are portrayed here, yet he has turned them around, taken a positive stance and produced an album of sublime quality. It oozes accomplished song writing and performed by fantastic musicians. For me another contender for album of the year. It really is a masterpiece.

Druids and Bards is available to stream on all platforms.

Vinyl/CD and more info available here https://linktr.ee/HolyCoves