Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his new single, ‘Like James Dean’. A nostalgic powerful indie dazzler, ‘Like James Dean’ drifts and glistens with Laurence’s compelling heartfelt musicianship as he lays bare the desperation of the American Dream which is full of disillusionment and disappointment. With lamenting guitars and shimmering synths the track weaves a beautiful and bittersweet path between dreamy and melancholy as Laurence’s velvety vocals coo the emotional lyrics over a creamy yearning melody. With a pulsing rhythm, the track holds an air of wistful passion and eagerness while the wandering keys shimmer with innocent hope. The jangly guitar adds a sharp but warm, youthful element into the track as the lyrics mirror themes of youth, celebrity, and the obstacles of forming an identity in the modern age. Once again Holden Laurence uses sublime and refined songwriting buoyed by irresistible melty melodies and immaculate production to create a track that hits you in the chest with passion and emotion. The perfect follow up single to his superb Sophomore album ‘Rewire’
Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his Sophomore album ‘Rewire’ and will celebrate with a release show at Mahall’s on May 17th alongside Niights and Punch Drunk Tagalongs. Like his previous release ‘Wild Empty Promises’, Laurence once again recruited drummer Michael O’Brien of The Modern Electric to provide the pulse of Rewire. The Rewire sessions were recorded at Fe True Productions(Cleveland) and Bobby Peru Recording Studios (Milwaukee), and were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Shane Olivo, in partnership with executive producer Dr. Michael Bell.In addition to self-producing for the second time, all instruments and vocals, with the exception of drums and percussion, were performed by Holden Laurence
‘Rewire’ is a luscious and compelling collection of alternative 80’s pop submerged in beautiful vivid musicianship as Laurence wraps each track in glorious sugary synths that flash and seep their glucose sweetness through tracks like ‘Shadows of Old Love’, ‘Friendship and The Fever’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ .The emotional melodies melt into the tracks effortlessly and rest easily on the ear with bittersweet nostalgia blending with melancholic tones. The velvety vocals exude passion as the glistening sharp guitars weave zesty melodies throughout. The tracks whirl and glissade smoothly from vivid bass grooves and meaty drum progressions to ethereal dreamy tones seamlessly creating a vibrant and texture throughout the album. The emotional tender tracks like ‘Lightning Strikes’, ‘Rewire’,‘Desire’ and ‘Roses and a Romeo Mask’ are beautifully presented with delicate passion and gripping soundscapes while the more upbeat, indie speckled, sun kissed gems like ‘We’ll Always Have the Radio’ illuminate the album with a euphoric laid back tone of delight. Laurence brings us down a sultry nostalgic road of longing with ‘Mary Magdalene’ with its wistful, heart stopping melody and gripping soundscapes that is sure to rest charmingly in the heart of any one who listens to it. The album comes to a beautiful and delicate end with the track ‘The Southern Wind’ as warm guitar twinkles about a soft melody and lush harmony. It’s a charming number that builds becoming more dynamic as it blossoms into a heart warming ditty with honest lyrical content and pure emotional tones.
‘Rewire’ is a richly satisfying album that boasts Holden Laurence’s immaculate, passionate and rich musicianship.
Stream ‘Rewire’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
