Psych-rockers Hollyhead’s Holy Coves have revealed Summer tour dates in support of a EP set for early release in 2012.
www.myspace.com/holycoves
From the coast of North Wales Holy Coves unleash The Droner EP on January 31st 2011; a gut busting, snarling blues influenced rock outing. Belying their Holyhead heritage, it’s a debut fit to fill city stadiums. Is it early Smashing Pumpkins, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s oil-slick grooves? Perhaps, but then it’s also wholly new.
Atmospherics akin to Black Angels are as audible on the record as when the Coves take to the stage. Which is no surprise really, considering the EP was recorded at Bryn Derwen Studios, with the foothills of Snowdonia looming large over the epic landscape. This is country as big as the band’s sound, so there’s no more fitting a setting for these mountainous tracks to have been made in.
It was here the band developed a strong bond with producer David ‘Bat For Lashes, British Sea Power and Race Horses’ Wrench, himself a member of Julian Cope’s The Black Sheep. After being involved with the band since their early demos, it made sense that the musician-cum-studio wizard had his deft hand in the creation of Holy Coves’ first official release; the next chapter of a story gaining rapid momentum.
Ultimately though, it’s all about honesty, and rhythm. Holy Coves are that hardworking, what you see is what you get band fast becoming confined to history. “We are all lied to on a daily basis,” say’s singer-songwriter Scott Marsden. “How are we supposed to believe anything a politician says when they themselves are only pawns in a much bigger game? I wouldn’t say we are a political band, but we are certainly not afraid of expressing our views. Open your eyes to what’s going on, try and see the real picture, what’s really going on around us, and then are you truly free.”
Can, The Flower Travelling Band, The Velvet Underground, The Verve and The Brian Jonestown Massacre are etched on the Coves’ sleeves. More names in the army of alt-guitar acts partly responsible for this outfit sexy, sleazy and psychedelic style. So that they emerge from the remnants of Marsden’s shoegazing project, The Lizzies, simply adds further diversity to the many influences at work here. With bassist Jimi Eggleton, drummer Ash Garden and guitarist Ben Lee, a spectrum of styles come together and a fresh, whole sound is created. It’s an impossible beast to tame, a little like a runaway train carried with equal parts momentum and melody.
Friday 12th August The Appleby, Burton on Trent
Saturday 13th August The Ducie Bridge, Manchester
Thursday 18th August The Musician, Leicester
Friday 26th August The Waterfront, Treardurr Bay, Anglesey
Saturday 27th August Corn On The Cobdens, Capel Curig
Friday 2nd September Ryan’s Bar, Derby
Saturday 19th November Central Station, Wrexham
