LIVE REVIEW: Holding Absence @ The Sugarmill, Stoke-On-Trent

At this point, there are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe just how breathtaking the rise of HOLDING ABSENCE has been to experience. 2019’s self-titled debut showcased promise in the Welsh post-hardcore band’s repertoire but 2021’s The Greatest Mistake Of My Life showcased what a special band we have on our shores. Combine that with a live experience, that is as consistent as it is incredible, and a strong connection with their fanbase, and it seems that HOLDING ABSENCE are on course to cement themselves as one of the scene’s best and brightest bands. Now, with attention turning towards album three, the quartet’s decision to grace towns and cities at grassroot venues across the UK is as humbling as it is a reflection of the band’s connection to the scene. And with the queue snaking up the street from The Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent, it appears that this decision is one that will bear fruit.

Just as the decision to revisit the various towns and cities devoid of their presence over recent years is reflective of HOLDING ABSENCE‘s establishment in the scene, so too is the decision to have a myriad of opener acts. For Stoke, we’re blessed with the presence of LIZZY FARRALL, a solo artist whose stock is certainly on the rise. And with plenty of people crammed into the intimate confines of The Sugamill from the get-go, there’s countless on eyes on Farrall and her bandmates as she delivers a set of alt class. With a bulk of material from 2020’s Bruise on show (from the topical Gas Lighting to the synth-tinged pulses of Addict) and a sneak preview of new material receiving a live rendition, LIZZY FARRALL performed with an abundance of energy and armed with enough wit and quips inbetween songs to keep your attention fixated towards the stage. Whilst the crowd’s reservation to participate was a slight blemish, there’s no doubting that LIZZY FARRALL is a hidden gem in the UK alternative scene.

Rating: 9/10

You have to hand it to VOID OF VISION. The Aussie troupe have flown from the other side of the world to play in the sleepy towns across the UK and whilst bands whose oversized egos would need a reality check, the quartet embrace their slot as main support with enough enthusiasm and energy of a headlining act. Largely, this is down to frontman Jack Bergin who bounces across the small stage of The Sugarmill like a rabid beast, easily dispatching his growled vocals on a one-two punch of set openers OHNE SICHT and Ghost In The Machine, whilst guitarists James McKendrick and Mitch Fairlie keep the momentum surging with thumping riffs oozing with djenty undertones.

With a healthy amount of material coming from recent EPs, Chronicles I: Lust and Chronicles II: Heaven, it’s clear that VOID OF VISION are looking ahead to the future and their belief in their newest material worked a treat as it proved to be some of the best moments of the set. A run of ALTAR, DOMINATRIX, THE LONELY PEOPLE and INTO THE DARK is a sure-fire way to end the final quarter of the time on stage in the grandest of fashions and throughout these four tracks, the band were firing on all cylinders. For naysayers, the Aussie’s brand of metalcore might not be anything revolutionary, but live it is a floor-filler and there will be many present at The Sugarmill who will have been won over and keen to keep tabs on when VOID OF VISION grace our shores once again.

Rating: 8/10

After what seems like an age, HOLDING ABSENCE take to the stage and the anticipation from the packed crowd is engulfing. The Welsh troupe have been touted as darlings of the modern alternative scene and as they explode into set opener Monochrome, just judging from the sea of people singing every word back at Lucas Woodland, it’s immediately clear what a special band we have in our hands.

From there, the band are buoyed and their collective confidence is reflected in a run of songs that are not only expertly dispatched, but resonate powerfully with their legion of fans looking upon them. Beyond Belief‘s shoegaze-tinged guitars from Scott Carey are as blissful as they are emotive, Gravity‘s punchy post-hardcore riffing sees HOLDING ABSENCE at their heaviest (whilst still retaining that melody-soaked beauty as Woodland raises the roof with the euphoric chorus) and Aching Longing sees Woodland and VOID OF VISION‘s Jack Bergin dual and bounce off each other for one of the set’s most energetic moments.

It’s a set that flashes by in an instant as HOLDING ABSENCE never let the momentum dip, keeping the crowd engaged and connected as they display their craft. At the heart of this is Lucas Woodland whose vocals are predictably sublime but the humble-natured Welshmen shows a grounded and likeable persona, making every single person in the room feel like they run in his circle. A true performer, he leads the line brilliantly, with the rendition of Afterlife raising the hairs on the back of your neck. As Wilt shimmers in its aural beauty and the set hits its conclusion, HOLDING ABSENCE are what FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND were back in their heyday. A treasured gem sitting at the hearts of many, they are a band for a generation.

Rating: 10/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Stoke-on-Trent from Abbi Draper-Scott here: 

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