From the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, Holding Hour’s latest track, “Vertical Hold”, meets us with an ethereal touch between surrender and introspection. A near-cathartic atmosphere unfolds, bringing listeners into a state of contemplation that feels almost suspended—somewhere between a passive detachment from the outer world and a deep, rarefied focus on the inner self. It’s the kind of song that connects with the self in a way most tracks only hope to reach, blending reflection with release.
Marissa Kephart’s vocals are angelic yet subtle. They weave through the music like a gentle voice in our conscience, always present yet never overpowering. Her voice seems to float beyond reach, adding an intangible texture that feels intimate and removed, like a dream on the edge of memory. This backdrop of airy vocal layers, combined with soft, almost ghostly instrumentals, creates a sense of ease while encouraging deep, uninterrupted thought.
“Vertical Hold” may feel like it ends too soon, but that’s the point—it calls us back for multiple listens. The song’s dynamic shifts between dream-pop and shoegaze elements lure us into a world where pop’s catchiness meets the lush atmospheres of both genres. Each listen feels new, a doorway into both a sweet melancholy and a calm elation that isn’t easy to pin down.
More about Holding Hour:
Holding Hour, founded in 2021, has been breaking ground since its formation, led by Marissa Kephart and the multi-talented Scott Yoshimura. The duo’s vibrant yet introspective style mixes influences from acts like My Bloody Valentine and Yo La Tengo, drawing listeners into a sonically rich, emotionally resonant experience that feels both fresh and familiar. Their knack for layering dreamy guitars and atmospheric sounds has quickly earned them a spot on the indie radar, and “Vertical Hold” is a testament to their sound’s magnetic pull.