On the rise indie bands have always had a certain excitement surrounding them. Maybe it’s the thundering basslines that vibrate in your chest, the clattering drums or the expressive vocals that are all synonymous with the beloved genre, which has one of the most infamous underground scenes in the UK. This same excitement is building for newly formed 7 piece ‘Holodrum‘. Holodrum, is formed by members from pre existing, line up regulars: Yard Act, Hookworms, Cowtown, Virginia Wing and Drahla. They have recently released their new single “Free Advice” alongside an announcement for their debut album which is set to be released on the 25th of February this year (2022) via Nottingham based independent label Gringo Records who specialise in the likes of post punk and indie rock.
“Free Advice” is a shoegaze disco synth-pop amalgamation, compiling the best work from the bands seven piece team of talented artists and musicians. Taking on a more 80s flare compared to the more punk aesthetics seen in the members other respective bands it provides a fresh sound within the current underground music scene – something you can really dance to. A tune you can both mosh and bop to at the same time, it has really optimistic instrumentation and rhythm courtesy of videogame-esque synths and frantic drum sequences. Speaking on the single, lead singer Emily Garner said Free Advice “conveys the state of feeling invincible in adversity and serves quite clearly as a piece of good advice, which is applicable to anyone. who has gone out of his way to harden your vibe”
Ever important in the digital age of music, the single was accompanied by a music video. Similar to its sonics, the video pictures animations close in aesthetic to retro computer games with bright pastels and pixelated scenery. Watch it here.
Fans truly can’t predict what will come of the album, something not normally seen within modern music so this release comes as a truly unique formation; we’ve heard these musicians before in their own respective circles (think Yard Act’s outspoken post punk ‘Fixer Upper’ and Hookworm’s stormy psychedelic Negative Space.)
Yard Act have built up a cult following from the go with their debut singles being released in 2021 and their huge 63 date 2022 UK tour already underway, which features festivals such as Truck festival as well as 2 dates at the Øyafestivalen festival in Oslo.
As for ‘Hookworms’, they were previously signed to Gringo Records (the label who are now releasing ‘Holodrum’s‘ debut album.) Three members of Hookworms can now be heard on this new record and album, they are Matthew Ben, Jonathan Nash and Jonathan Wilkinson. ‘Hookworms’ saw their end in 2018 after the frontman received allegations of sexual assault and mental abuse.
Listen to ‘Free Advice’ here and pre order the debut album here.
