Holding Pattern

Toronto's Holding Pattern plays an alluring and serene brand of instrumental indie rock. Syncopated rhythms and proficient volume and time signature changes are characteristics of Small M Manifesto, as it forms a remarkable musical narrative. Slight traces of Tortoise and Slint's more subtle moments course through the disc, while the explorative qualities of jazz seep into the band's rock instrumentals. The disc opens with the gentle volume swells and sophisticated rhythms of "1914," gradually reaching a well-constructed impetus, while the consummate arrangements continue throughout the disc and the closing track ascends to refined heights. Holding Pattern capably balances restraint with multiplicity, creating songs that form an elaborate sound architecture, replete with innumerable corridors and galleries, mesmerising listeners with its graceful intricacy.