Some sounds and musical atmospheres know no borders, but instead influence musicians worldwide to reshape and mold that influence into something of their own. Holywater is a band from Galicia, a part of Spain who did just that. Sure there’s quite a bit of Ok Computer on Sides but not enough to call them thieves or a band lacking any good ideas. No, they get away with it, because Sides is honest, passionate and capture enough personal quality, displayed in twelve wonderful tracks.

The gritty, almost lo-fi production hands the band’s sound just the right element to make this album worth while for anyone who’s into mostly slow, introvert and very atmospherical rock music, in the same vein as Codeseven or recent Anathema but just as much as Afghan Whigs. And let’s not forget a certain Jeff Buckley, who plays a big part in Holywater’s influence catalogue. And again they get away with it.

Listen to “Cloudy Sky” and be honest, if that does not make you shiver nothing will. For a big part this is thanks to singer/guitarist Ricardo Rodriguez, who’s deep, intense clear voice carries the fine and rich melodies far and away, without ever letting the quality slip during any song, but instead keeps building a new climax, over and over. And that is something to be proud of for sure.

But above all the comparisons and influences, Holywater is still a rock band. Perhaps an introvert one, who dash things up with mellotrons, flute, organs and what not, Sides is made with heart, soul and passion. And a lot of it. Let this album overwhelm you. Check out www.holywaterweb.com or www.astrodiscos.com for more info.