'The Greatest Mistake Of My Life', the second album from Cardiff’s Holding Absence.
Building on the excellent foundations laid down by the band’s eponymous debut record, released in 2019, and following standalone singles “Gravity”and “Birdcage,” the four-piece have returned with a group of songs that, in the view of vocalist Lucas Woodland, are the truest representation of Holding Absence to date.
“This album is about telling stories that are presented through the lens of hindsight, regret and looking back,” he says. “There are songs that celebrate life when faced with death, and others that speak to the choices we make about how we live our lives. The fear of love, newfound respect for life and the covering up of depression are all subjects that rear their head. 'The Greatest Mistake Of My Life' exercises emotion in many ways, and that was an important thing for us to do, because emotion isn’t rigid –it’s not just love or joy or sadness –it’s a lot of things.”
Inspired by a song of the same name that was recorded in the 1930s by actor and singer Dame Gracie Fields, 'The Greatest Mistake Of My Life' is rooted in a time long before Holding Absence even existed. Lucas’ great uncle covered the song during the 1950s –something the frontman repeats on this album –and after finding this out from his grandmother, the singer decided the poignancy of its words were worthy of titling Holding Absence’s next record.
“It felt like I’d stumbled across something special,” Lucas explains of his family’s connection to 'The Greatest Mistake Of
My Life'. “After playing the track to Scott [Carey, guitar], we agreed it was a perfect title. It tied in to how we wanted this
album to be cinematic and timeless. We close the record with a cover of that song, which is essentially an homage to the
original and its strange relationship with my family.”
Armed with a stellar new album and an unflinching belief in their craft, this new incarnation of Holding Absence promises to excite and impress like never before. An enthralling collection of songs and stories that tell of love, life, death and everything in between, The Greatest Mistake Of My Life is a thrilling record, and one its creators were born to make. As Holding Absence have proved, the greatest mistakes can sometimes open the door to even greater triumphs.
Limited 2LP green ripple effect vinyl pressing
*Please note - image is a mock up only, actual colours may vary on finished product*
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. awake
2. Celebration Song
3. Curse Me With Your Kiss
4. Afterlife
5. Drugs and Love
Side B:
1. In Circles
2. nomoreroses
3. Beyond Belief
4. Die Alone (In Your Lover's Arms)
Side C:
1. phantoms
2. Mourning Song
3. The Greatest Mistake Of My Life