"Solid" is the best word to describe this wildly short EP from Hold My Own. In just six minutes, these guys pack a punch, showing how much can be accomplished in a brief amount of time. From the tight, fun intro that sets the tone to the great sing-along parts that get stuck in your head, everything is executed with precision. The heavy riffs are there, and they hit hard—no frills, just raw, powerful energy.
It’s clear that Hold My Own didn’t set out to redefine hardcore or start the next big movement. Instead, they seem focused on playing solid, straightforward songs that will get any crowd fired up to see them live. And it’s not hard to see why: they have an undeniable chemistry, playing off each other with a great sense of camaraderie and passion. You can feel the energy in the way they work together; these guys click.
The production is solid overall, though I do wish the bass was more prominent in the mix—it feels a little buried at times, especially given the heavy, rhythm-driven nature of hardcore. Still, what Hold My Own accomplishes here is impressive: they hold their own, in every sense of the phrase. They stay true to their style, showcasing the kind of hardcore they’ve honed and love to play. It’s no frills, no gimmicks—just a well-executed, high-energy blast of hardcore that leaves you wanting more.
RATING: 8/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Holding My Own
Nothin' Left