EP REVIEW: Killing Giants – Holygood

It’s always an exciting venture to release music, especially after performing with an equally talented band in 2019 and singles here and there for the last two years. After a name change from LIGHT YOU UP to HOLYGOOD, the band have released an EP, Killing Giants, the first taste of new music for many who are a fan of the pop-rock quartet. With three original songs after two years of waiting, will this EP delight and enthral listeners, both old and new to the band, or will it be a sign to stay away from this sound?

One thing to say first of all is that the band is heavily influenced by BRING ME THE HORIZON, especially their album, amo. This is evident by the opening track, Bath Salts, especially with the brilliant guitar work and its atmosphere. The production in this song is done nicely, including the use of 8-bit bubbles in the mix, similar to MELANIE MARTINEZ‘s Soap, but the lyrical writing also feels raw and open when discussing the topic of loneliness. The building strength and soaring energy within the whole musical accompaniment is what helps this song stand on its own, and it’s a great one to listen to. 

The second track, Moving Mountains, is another atmospheric and beautiful track. The lyrics feel like they were written with vocalist Thomas Napier‘s heart on his sleeve, as the vocals really sell the emotion and meaning behind the song. The guitar work and rhythm used on the instrument and in the drums work all well here, and the synths and vibraphone within the mix add to that ethereal sound and style. Another fantastic track here and beautiful to listen to.

Unfortunately, the final track Killing Giants, is where the foundation starts to wobble. Its BRING ME THE HORIZON influence is blatant from beginning to end throughout the whole mix. The lyrics detail a harsh and real topic, dealing with eating disorders like bulimia, and there is poetry written within the vocal line, sung very well in addition to that. The guitar solo, whilst simple, is effective and a nice touch within the song, but aside from that, there’s a lot of extra effects within the mix that are truly not needed. It almost feels like it’s trying to mask the topic that the song is discussing, which is not the song’s intention, but it feels identical to a song found on That’s The Spirit. As mentioned, the lyrical content is very well written and covers a hard topic very well, the musical accompaniment does not do it any justice, and sadly makes this track the weakest of the EP.

Despite that, Killing Giants is a really well done EP, and if it weren’t for the sudden ending of the final track, it would have been perfect from beginning to end. It’s a testament seeing how HOLYGOOD are influenced by their contemporaries, but also now how to take it on as their own and make their own way in the music world. The talent on display in the lyrical department is astounding and worth looking forward to in each of their songs, regardless of the accompanying music. It’s a good collection of songs and worth listening to. If only it was longer than three tracks, but as it is, a fantastic listen.

Rating: 8/10

Killing Giants is out now via self-release.

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