Holy Fuck
Toronto, ON
We often say casually that bands are “awesome” without thinking about the true meaning of the word – Holy Fuck actually inspire awe. – Pitchfork
If opposites really do attract, it makes perfect sense that Holy Fuck would chose a barn in rural Ontario to record a series of dynamic electro-noise pop that compose their latest full-length release, titled Latin.
Where Holy Fuck in the past were a rotating cast of musicians, Latin showcases for the first time their consistent touring line up. Drummer Matt Schulz and bass player Matt McQuaid provide a complex rhythm foundation that at times feels like an invisible hand leading you through a dark hedge maze. Perhaps an excessive feat for most, but this provides the ideal underpinning as Brian Borcherdt and Graham Walsh merge a twin effects/feedback tangle that is equal parts entrancing and inspiring.
The band had an absurdly busy touring schedule in 2008/2009 and Latin undoubtedly benefited from the near nightly shows. There is an added dimension of song craft on the album – Latin brings noise and melody together with an uncanny sense of optimism – but at the same time Holy Fuck have not lost the chaotic and euphoric energy that they are known for.
When it came time for Holy Fuck to record, songs were cut live off the floor during their brief downtime at home. Delivered in trimesters, Latin was engineered by Graham Walsh and mixed by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene), D. Sardy (Johnny Cash, NIN), Eli Janney (GvsB, Wilco,), Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Primal Scream) and Holy Fuck themselves. It’s the follow up to 2007’s simply titled LP which Filter described as “nine perversely noisy, mind-bogglingly ferocious freakouts” and Spin said of it “Holy Fuck play the sort of id-gripping dance rock that’s best experienced in person. Luckily (LP) retains the raw energy of the live show, even without the visual barrage.”
With high praise from peers, critics, big name endorsements and ascension on festival bills, Holy Fuck have the divine right to be profane. And with respected music luminaries Thom Yorke and Lou Reed passing on kind words about studio recordings and live performances, it’s no wonder Holy Fuck have become sought after.
Toronto’s Holy Fuck creates dance music that careens off the grid yet possesses a ragtag sense of discipline…(the band) galvanizes with rambunctious grooves that’ll make you shake your can and cause you to wonder why more techno doesn’t fizz with this kind of raw, triumphant energy. – XLR8R
