VIDEO! FFO Calexico, Bob Dylan: James Holt’s ‘Sanguine On The Rocks’ EP out today
James Holt – ‘Sanguine On The Rocks’ EP out today
video for title track –
“one of the most outstanding solo efforts we have had the pleasure of listening to in recent memory” The Local Music Scene Blog
“without a doubt worth a listen” Creative Control
“clever and confident” GIGsoup
When Brian Eno pipes up as one of your fans, you know you’re onto a good thing, citing James Holt’s music as “brisk, funny, exciting”.
Manchester-based multi-instrumentalist James Holt, with his deep and inquisitive blend of alternative rock and folk, releases his second EP ‘Sanguine On the Rocks’ today (Friday 29 April 2016).
Make no mistake, this intense new material is not set to a template – it’s more a living circus of intoxicating blues, vibrant orchestration, dour and sharp monologue, buckled in the 23 year-old’s Mancunian spirit.
James Holt fixes notes together as if solving a complex mathematical puzzle, songwriting the ultimate form of self-expression, and is solution to proffer a platform for thought, push boundaries and capture precise snippets of time.
Possessing a wealth of melody and a fresh approach to honing his sound, ‘Sanguine On The Rocks’ is a charming six-track release epitomising the solo record in the truest sense, Holt having composed all its songs, played every instrument, also recording and mixing the EP himself.
Continuing where his well-received 2015 taster debut left off with EP ‘In the Face of It All’, he’s pinpointed his groove even further, souping-up swaggery, bluesy style to compliment his Lennon-esque vocals.
Swirling EP opener ‘The Mirror’ is a tour-de-force of Motown and bossa nova, title track ‘Sanguine On The Rocks’ is a complex and agitated mix featuring a brass section, and the EP in whole brings funk, heavier rock, ballads.
James’ debut EP ‘In the Face of It All’ was released in March 2015, receiving accolades and radio airplay from numerous BBC Introducing shows as well as Radio X, BBC Manchester, BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio 2 and KCRW.
See James Holt live:
29 April – Kings Arms (full-band show), Salford *EP launch show*
12 May – Castlefield Food And Drink Festival (full-band show), Manchester
1 June – Sage Gateshead, Newcastle
Links: jamesholtmusic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify
Buy: iTunes | Bandcamp | Amazon