Drawing us in with a cerebral, industrial soundscape with a tannoy countdown, expanding into a dimensional dark-wave electronica energy with a driving, high-octane vibe, Max MacReady opens Holding Pattern with situational, metaphorical prose.
We appreciate the poetic prowess, the 80s-futuristic hybrid sentiment, the epic guitar performance, the emotional chord changes for drama, and the brooding, pitched and mildly warped vocals. The shimmering high synths add a delicate intrigue to the piece, creating further dynamism.
In essence, Holding Pattern describes a narrative of two people caught in a vibrant and dreamy cityscape, manifesting a “neon maze” where they chase interconnection. Beneath the surface, the lyrics reflect a sense of longing with suspended anticipation as the protagonists wait for something real to eventually happen.
There is a cinematic allure that comes to life with Holding Pattern. It is perfect for a range of sync placements – perhaps a future sequel to a movie like Drive, or a Knight Rider remake, or even a scene from something like HBO’s Euphoria. We are glad that the release also comes with an instrumental version as the mix is pristine, and the overarching production is so sublime that it deserves its own moment.
We learn that Max MacReady is a UK-based duo transmitting from a retro-future that never was. Fusing elements of synthwave, electronica and post-punk, their music is designed to echo the ambition of Rush, the pulse of The Police, and the sci-fi vibes of John Carpenter.
With Max sculpting basslines, synthesisers and compositions, whilst Kurt Precinct (love the names – very Demolition Man!) layering guitars and textures, the pair create immersive soundscapes that feel both vintage and visionary.
Holding Pattern is an epic debut, and we cannot wait to hear more from the duo – in the meantime, we are immersing ourselves in their music video universe, and have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we anticipate future releases from Max MacReady!