You know when you have one of those dreams where you just can’t do the thing you’re trying to do? You try over and over again, failing over and over again, to do some simple task like walk, run, yell, punch somebody, or make a phone call, and it’s like the air has turned to molasses and your fingers keep fumbling and you fuck it up again and again.
That’s what the new single from Holy Water, “Persistent Dream,” feels like the soundtrack to. That unending frustration, the recurring attempts, and the final relief when I wake up and realize it was all a dream. Holy Water is the new project from Jasper Den Hartigh (Heat Dust) and the music they make is at once melodious, infectious post-punk; heavy, droning doom; and dissonant, experimental punk. It’s a blend that sounds like it would be difficult to process but it all comes together perfectly and it’s why I keep hitting repeat on “Persistent Dream,” which we’re streaming below. Holy Water comes out on February 3rd via his Bandcamp (digital), Primal Architecture (cassette), and Time Release (vinyl) — pre-order it here. Right now, wake up from your frustrated dreams and listen to Holy Water…
This album was my attempt at making a pop-record, while trusting my gut, using lessons learned over the course of my entire musical life. From being in punk bands, to playing slowcore, to ambient noise, and heavy metal. The songs all have references to Dutch fairy tales but also contain more personal writing.
Jasper Den Hartigh
https://holywateratx.bandcamp.com/album/holy-water
