Eric Cannata – ‘Holding Onto The Holy’ [Album Review]

Holding Onto The Holy, the debut solo album from Eric Cannata, reveals vocal suggestions reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, Brendon Urie, and Bono, along with a warm, retro feel.

Cannata’s initial foray into the world of soloing occurred in 2020 with the release of his Lonely Beast EP, a collection of songs exploring isolation. With Holding Onto The Holy, he travels to the other end of the spectrum, delving into the idea of togetherness or how to love life while the world collapses.

A founding member of Young the Giant, Coma Culture, and American Pets, Cannata – guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer – released “The Wave,” the first single from the album, on October 11.

According to Cannata, “‘The Wave’ is a song about a tidal wave coming toward the coast of California, after the ‘Big One’ earthquake hits. While everyone is running for safety, I calmly make my way to the beach, to celebrate my demise. The song and album touch on themes of finding the threads of joy and hope in a time when our world is so turbulent and uncertain.”

Contributors on the album include Kosta Galanopoulos (drums), Ernie Cannata (piano), as well as Hannah Connolly and longtime friend and collaborator Jon O’Brien, who handled mixing and additional engineering.

Cannata is performing three release shows in New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles, followed by opening for Young the Giant’s two Troubadour shows in September.

Entry points on Holding Onto The Holy include “There You Go Again,” a gliding, dreamy tune that conjures up memories of Roy Orbison – weighty emotions conveyed with pressing passion.

Eric Cannata, photo by Chase Hart

Talking about the song, Cannata says, “I was inspired by the drama of the ‘60s Wall of Sound production style. I danced around my studio, singing into an old microphone drenched in spring reverb, feeling completely free to express myself. The lyrics allude to the ebb and flow that comes along with profound love.”

“The Wave” evokes a shimmering sensation tinted with a tropical rhythm and luminous harmonies. An articulate bassline sets and maintains the pulsating motion of the song. Faint flavors of alt-country merged with ’60s pop imbue the title track with charming sweetness and sparkling tenderness.

A personal favorite because of its gentle, voluptuous swaying rhythm, “Losing Patience” allows Cannata to show off the subtle, nuanced tones of his voice – smooth and cotton-like.

Perhaps the prettiest song on the album, “I Still Love You,” is both wonderfully sentimental and intimate. Cannata shares, “‘I Still Love You’ is a simple love song to my wife. Through our ups and downs, I’ll always love her.”

Another gem of a song, the closing track, “Like You Do,” summons up traces of experimental pop and alt-rock, all enhanced by a glittering, evocative piano.

Cannat explains, “It felt fitting to put this song last, as ends with me chanting in the outro, ‘All I ever need is someone who loves me. Can’t believe I found somebody like you.’ This sums up a lot of the themes of the album: No matter what is going on in the world, I am grateful for the love and joy in my life.”

Gratifyingly diverse, Eric Cannata’s debut solo album, Holding Onto The Holy, is a masterful pop-rock accomplishment for the artist.

Holding Onto The Holy Track Listing:

1. There You Go Again
2. It’s You
3. The Wave
4. Holding Onto The Holy
5. Over & Over
6. Losing Patience
7. I Still Love You
8. Fruit
9. Crystal Ball
10. Like You Do

Run Time: 31:50
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Record Label: Industry Houseplant