The Wilmington, NC-based trio Holy Heat are back with a bang. A sensual, soulful foray into the lush lands of RnB, and they do it with the delicacy and intention that’s fit for a band of consummate professionals.
Holy Heat’s sound is solid. Jam based Rock and Blues were prominent on their previous album, Mud. But with this release they decided to expand their sonic palette. With punchy, simple rhythms, a soulful, minimal bassline, succulent composition, and gorgeous singing. The song starts and ends around the same simple beat, with the chords ebbing and flowing in a solid fashion. The arrangement is conventional, and the production is divinely good. All elements fall neatly into place to make room for the beautiful singing, letting it bask in the spotlight glory as it should. The performances are masterfully restrained and show how seriously talented the trio is. Holding back shows far more musicianship than giving it all up. The guys from Holy Heat know this, and they’re embracing it with all they’ve got.
A delicate rhythm and blues meet soul number that boasts immense musicianship and a band that’s comfortable in expanding their sound and style and doing it with such efficiency and elegance too. A true pleasure.