The Holdup

Stay Gold

Dub Rock Records

(The Holdup MySpace)

It is kind of scary how good the debut release from The Holdup is, especially since the guys are just young kids.

At its heart Stay Gold is simply a fun summer party album; filled to the brim with big beats and free flowing rhymes about all the pleasures in life. However, the band took its time to ensure the highest of quality; believably over a year was spent on crafting these songs.

The album’s title track and songs like Selfish Man and Girl’s a Freak are made for bright sunny days partying on the beach with a Corona in one hand and a girl in the other. There is also a refreshing honesty in Mike Garmany's lyrics, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Girl’s want to know what guy’s really want or think? Forget those ridiculous chick flicks, just take a listen to Hunnies and Sometime’s (They’re Bitches).

There is no denying there is a strong Slightly Stoopid influence present in the band’s sound, particularly on tracks like The Chronic Song and Wild Child with its reverb guitar work. Yet when you get to songs like Demon, Good Times and Sometime’s (They’re Bitches) it’s a more mature sound that leaves a longer lasting impression. So much so, these three songs contribute greatly to the album’s overall impact. Especially Demons and Sometime’s coming in at the album’s end, their originality is a strong indicator that more original growth is just around the corner.

Stay Gold will be hard to beat as debut album of the year, currently just edging over Jon Wayne and The Pain’s great new release. All new bands take note, the standard has been set.

Reviewed by Pilipo

Stay Gold can be purchased online here