Alex Coley & Afterlove - “Hold It All”
Photo by Katy Maclachlan
Nova Scotia-based Alex Coley & Afterlove have returned to the blog with another serving of their gloriously heartfelt and authentic brand of indie: “Hold It All.”
For about the first sixty seconds, some soft yet vibrantly finger-plucked acoustic guitar is utilized, setting a melancholic course for this emotionally-charged ship to set sail. Deep in the underbelly, a ghostly synth churns, providing a cinematic depth to the barebones production. Coley’s warm and soulful voice soon emerges in order to weave lines of lyrics into the very fabric of our earthly existence. The intro alone is worth the price of admission.
From here, the arrangement is joined by a full-band elevation, complete with a rhythm section that nearly bounces the song out of its somber state. And while the track maintains its firm grasp on the genre of folk, “Hold It All” is not afraid to step outside of itself, dipping its toes into 1970s pop-rock. This is particularly evident in the delicate keys that intertwine the composition, dreamily gliding their way through the sonic space.
Multiple layers of guitars wash across the tune, providing ear candy before suddenly being pulled away for a dramatic sense of ebb and flow. However, you will not have to miss them for long, as they reappear with the song’s climax, ushered in by classic rock-imbued drum fills and angelic backing vocals that seem to go on forever.
“Hold It All” is a different side to Alex Coley & Afterlove and, after cherishing the more folksy sound of their previous singles, we are absolutely in love with how impactful their heavier side can be, both musically and emotionally.
“Hold It All” comes from Alex Coley & Afterlove’s new record, The Arc, a vulnerable album that microscopically explores the turmoil of heartbreak. We have a feeling that this will be right within everyone’s wheelhouse: