From its early origins in African-American communities during the 1950s, soul music has been one of those enduring music genres that has evolved with the trends, adapted to different cultures and moved with the times. One aspect that really makes soul so durable is its ability to tap into different emotions. For the Belfast outfit The Gold Tips, they want to celebrate one of soul music’s defining, and perhaps under-appreciated, qualities, being that it can move people, whether on a physical or emotional level.
With exuberant percussion, strutting guitars, grooving bassline and characterful horns, ‘Hold On’ embraces this side of soul with full abandon. You can hear shades of Motown, Memphis soul and the UK’s own Northern Soul, that convey how this is more than a passing sonic flirtation for The Gold Tips; this is all about passion. The accompanying music video solidifies this mind-body-spirit connection to music with its display of uninhibited movement and dance.
If we move beyond those swaggering guitar licks and elastic rhythms, you’ll discover a deeply resonant narrative about the push and pull of love. That feeling really comes through in the dynamic vocal performance, which explores the endless pursuit for answers: “I tried to hold on, but I can’t be sure, if there’s a need for that anymore, I tried to retrace every step, I’m nowhere near the answer yet.” It’s not clear whether that happy ending is in sight, but we can enjoy the ride.
As well as being a standout single, ‘Hold On’ is also a tantalising insight into The Gold Tips‘ latest album, Hope and Recreation, which we highly recommend you also go and check out.
You can also listen to ‘Hold On’ in our Soul & Grooves playlist.
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