the story.
Through the release of three EP's, Holding.Sky has established themselves as a fresh, new force, revealing a multi-faceted group which thrives on creative exploration and passion. Tim Laidman (vocals), Kohji Nagata (guitar/vocals), Michael Hill (lead guitar/vocals), Ben Tillmann (bass) and Bourke Tillmann (drums) have not only won the loyalty of fans with their raw music, they have also found acceptance amongst local critics with their ability to communicate with their young fan base while creating their own unique sound.
Holding.Sky recently finished recording their third EP, From The Throne To The Lions, at Catherine North studios with producer Dan Achen (City and Colour/Feist) at the helm. The album features an eclectic mix of heavy rock infused with fluid melodic vocals and pulsating rhythmic guitar. Hard-hitting issues are addressed including the tragic death of a close friend, the aftermath of a car crash and the ever present effect of drugs on our culture, demonstrating Holding.Sky's lyrical growth and maturity.
"We didn't want to make an album that fit into a mold. We wanted to capture the raw energy of a live show" says drummer Bourke Tillmann. This led to an album that creates space for itself, refusing to live within the constraints of a particular genre. And it is this ability to create space, to break barriers of stereotypical molds, to create that coveted musical moment that truly demonstrates Holding.Sky's maturity as artists.
Holding.Sky's music is as eclectic as their band members: With two members in medical school and the other three all having post-graduate degrees, Holding.Sky use their diverse and unconventional backgrounds to their advantage, creating a sound that is anything but ordinary. Taking cues from punk, classic rock, blues, and metal, Holding.Sky's sound is a unique amalgamation of catchy hooks, technical perfection and insightful lyrics.
Through their years together, Holding.Sky have put many accolades under their belts. They have shared the stage with many established artists including Moneen, The Reason, The Junction, The Ataris, the Deftones, Atreyu, Silverstein, Dredg, As I Lay Dying and Thrice. Most recently, Holding.Sky was nominated for the best emo/screamo album of 2008 in the Hamilton Music Awards.
So you can stop here, and wonder what this all means, or go out and catch a live show, and then begin to understand what drives Holding.Sky.
