I hate getting given records to review and then not liking them. I’m not articulate or cutting enough for the kind of negative reviews that make a good read. Mine just sound like ill advised whining. So, it was with utter regret that my first listen to the Holy State EP fell flat from expectation. And it was with utter joy that I pressed play for the second, third and fourth time to really listen properly, and to be won round.

I won’t list my initial quibbles here. They were just that; stupid quibbles with a record that’s actually pretty damn good.

Leeds 4 piece Holy State make the kind of noise you’d expect to find blowing through the cracks of a Holy Roar release. After a previous split 7” with Pulled Apart By Horses on said label, their new EP has found its release on their hometown’s noise and talent superstore, Dance To The Radio. Not only does it prove that one sound can’t be pinned down to the Leeds label, it also adds more to my ideas of this Yorkshire city being one of the places I really wished I lived. Ace bands, ace venues, ace people.

But what is Holy State’s sound? Well, it’s kind of progressive but with all influences firmly tattooed across its sleeve, if that makes sense. Certainly there are nods to the likes of Fugazi and Jesus Lizard, but there’s also a developed style and twist with which each turn and breakdown is delivered. Hell, to the end of Palms they start screaming what could easily be a Stone Roses parody, although I’m not sure it is. I might be reading too much into it here.

Essentially it’s powerful, driving, and the drums kick fucking ass. There seems to be some kind of effect on the vocals as well that makes them sound trapped, removed, and all the more bloodthirstily desperate. If you do like your Pulled Apart By Horses, MEN, or anything with the more energetic edge of post-rock, these are four tracks to make you happy. Listen on repeat.