Holding Pattern-Holding Pattern (1981)

Holding Pattern was a progressive symphonic rock band founded in 1981 in Connecticut, USA, under the guidance of guitarist Tony Spada. Alongside Spada were the expert drummer Robert Hutchinson, a veteran of the North American progressive scene who had played in bands like Elysin Field, bassist Jerry Lalancette, and keyboardist Mark Tannenbaum. This band showcased a strong symphonic progressive sound, a powerful melodic quality in their compositions, and high-energy live performances. Spada was the driving force, writing virtually all the compositions. However, although his guitar was always present, the sound was based on the interplay of keyboards and guitars, strongly supported by a solid rhythm section. Their melodic approach was influenced by groups like Camel, post-Gabriel Genesis, and bands like Happy the Man. Their only album was released in 1981, although it was actually an EP with four extended tracks. On this album, the instrumental prowess is excellent, with crisp, polished touches, but it suffers from a lack of quality production. The powerful "Another Point Of View" is a song with a complex structure. The haunting, melancholic "Honor Before Glory" possesses the characteristic sound that Steve Hackett presented on his albums from the late 70s. The agile "Jigsaw Dream" moves between funk cadences and highly dynamic symphonic developments. Meanwhile, in the closing epitaph, "Out Of The Tunnels", we find subtle Crimson-esque sounds as well as Holding Pattern's rockier side.