Dose of Holywatr

Welcome back to Finetuned! This week may be a group that would require a bit of an acquired taste. This week is all about Holywatr! Their tunes sound both familiar but also quite different and it makes for a myriad of emotions to be felt. Let’s get stuck in!

Who Are Holywatr?

Holywatr began in 2020 as a solo project by an artist known as Holy in Los Angeles, California. Initially a one-person endeavor, the project soon evolved into a trio, allowing for a broader and more dynamic sound. Since then, Holywatr has gained recognition for their emotionally intense blend of alternative rock, post-hardcore, and shoegaze. They have opened for major artists like Steve Aoki and are scheduled to perform at the 2025 Vans Warped Tour in Orlando.

They are a group that I found within the last 1.5 years or so and I am so glad I did. They have this particular quality about their vibe, but with and without the music, that sort of just scratches an itch I didn’t really know I needed scratched. They’ve been building steam the smart way: high-concept music videos, tight branding (yes, they sell bottled water), and a visual aesthetic that feels more art house than garage band. And it’s working! Their following is growing fast, especially across YouTube and Instagram, where fans aren’t just listening to the tunes, they’re buying in.

If you’re into bands that take their angst seriously and their production even more seriously, Holywatr is one to watch out for and buy stock in.

What To Expect Sonically

Hailing from the hazy intersection of shoegaze, emo, and alt-rock, Holywatr truly is one of those bands that thrives (you could say they slay 💅) on atmospheric soundscapes. I would almost say imagine if Deftones and Nothing had a sleep-deprived heart-to-heart at 3 a.m., and you’re getting close to them in that, lol.

With standout singles like “make it hard to steer”, “fade”, and “nail polish”, Holywatr blends thick, reverb-soaked (utterly drenched) guitars with vocals that sound like they’re echoing out of a dream - or into a breakdown, which could be a mental breakdown, who the fk knows. It’s raw, it’s textured, and it’s surprisingly cohesive for a band still carving out its lane so early in their career.

They are super high-energy and genuinely so full of angst that I do not think I could say this enough. If you like angry emo, have a listen, silly.

The Angsty Psalms, frfr

Let’s break down the lyrical themes of our rec here, their debut album, Psalms. The record was released on January 19, 2024 and is a raw and emotionally charged exploration of themes like heartbreak, desire, identity, and inner turmoil (a shocker for Finetuned 🙄). Key lyrical themes that you can hear and feel:

Lust and Emotional Entanglement
The single "I Won’t Forget" delves into the aftermath of a fleeting romantic encounter, highlighting the lingering obsession and emotional complexity that can follow. Lyrics such as "Put me out with a high heel / Give me a night I won’t soon forget" underscore the intoxicating and tumultuous nature of one-night stands or things similar.

Isolation and Despair
Tracks like "fade" (not on this album) convey a sense of desolation and the desire to disappear, with lyrics like "i don't care to be found. no one ever knows. the lengths i'd fall." This reflects a recurring theme of grappling with inner demons and the struggle to find one's place. Relatable as shit, just to be honest.

Confronting Personal Mistakes
Songs such as "Mistake" and "Fake Tears" address the pain of personal errors and the emotional fallout that ensues. These tracks explore themes of regret, self-deception, and the longing for redemption.

Family and Personal Identity
The track "My Mom's In There!" suggests a deep dive into familial relationships and personal history, potentially exploring the impact of family dynamics on one's sense of self.

Overall, Psalms serves as a cathartic outlet for Holywatr, channeling intense emotions through a fusion of heavy guitar riffs, atmospheric melodies, and poignant lyrics. The album's title evokes a sense of personal lamentation and introspection, aligning with the raw and unfiltered nature of its content. It’s truly one for the ages, excited to see where they continue to go.

Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can reply to the newsletter directly or DM me on Twitter. (or email me here: [email protected])

Please do share Finetuned with your friends & fam & whoever else! I believe great music should be shared, cherished, and understood from all sorts of perspectives.

See you all in the next one! 🙌