London post-punk band White Lies's fourth album Friends (2016) examines the dynamics that shape the friendships of individuals in their late 20s - with particular emphasis on the growing distance between adults as concerns about marriage, children and careers place more distance between them. As with their previous albums, the trio specialize in juxtaposing heartache and loneliness with soaring, melodramatic ‘80s-inspired anthems that infectiously combine joy with sorrow.
While somewhat sentimental and relatively lacking in originality, "Hold Back Your Love" serves as a potent, '70s disco-tinged examination of anxiety regarding interpersonal connection (in this regard, there are ample similarities with Future Island's "Waiting on You"). It also happens to be the band's favourite song on the album:
"Collectively, as a band, I'd say this is probably the song we all love the most on the record. Lyrically, musically, emotionally, I feel it is one of our most advanced and successful attempts at writing a song that feels quite timeless - despite it's clear nods to 80's pop. It's pretty synth heavy, and there is far less in the way of "big" guitars, and that is a template we followed for a lot of the songs on the record. The guitar parts are referencing artists like Shuggie Otis rather than rock bands, and the groove is a mixture of a Talking Heads stomp in the verses and sleek disco in the chorus. If 'The Breakfast Club' was released next week, this song would probably be on the soundtrack. It has that sort of joyous melancholy about it that our best songs tend to achieve."
White Lies, Gigwise
Harry McVeigh’s vocals emote without being too maudlin or cloying, while Charles Cave’s lyrics avoid specific references to create a timeless ode to unfulfilled longing:
'I go out, right outFor a heart in a heartless townI'd come unwoundAnd this love, my loveIsn't all that I though it wasAm I no one, without someone to need meHold back your love, you know that I've had my doubtsWanna see what I feel withoutEvery feeling is streaming outNow you know that I mean it'
Lyrics: Genius
