Ian Roland – Hang On To You (2025)
With a musical style that saunters through various degrees of folk and pop, with some indie influences fluttering along, singer-songwriter Ian Roland delicately delves into the complexities of life with tender, heartfelt music. I will admit that Ian Roland has a special place in our team’s heart, being memorable while offering refreshing newness with each song – I will try to avoid being biased in this review. Join us as we listen to his most recent single, ‘Hang On To You’.
Following his well-received single ‘Craving’, Roland yanks listeners back to the world of 60s pop with a gleam of Beatles-esque jangle-pop infectiousness. Produced with Jake Skinner and Bob Macciochi (mastering), ‘Hang On To You’ is a bold shift from the ballad ‘Craving’ to a wave of fun-filled, bouncy, upbeat, smile-inducing wave of music. Harmonic in its overall tune, each instrument enhances the pop-filled joy of the track; however, every instrument also adds individuality to the kaleidoscopic sonic tapestry.
Like a group of friends having a conversation complementing each other with their own style, Coomber’s bass backs James Chapman’s drums, while Roland’s guitar soars above. Mishkin Fitzgerald’s piano and keyboards bring a spicy bounce to the track, adding a twinkling shine to the track. Yet, as much as the arrangement is intriguing and contagious, it is Roland’s rich vocals tapping into the sounds of The Kinks that round things off with a neat bow.
Melodically, one can Ian Roland and his crew to feature on vintage Top of the Pops, but the timelessness of the song’s theme makes it ageless. Described as a “love song of resistance…”, ‘Hang On To You’ is simultaneously vulnerable and empowering.
So, what is my overall opinion of Ian Roland’s new single? A fan of Roland’s work, I am always eager to hear more from the UK-based artist, and ‘Hang On To You’ is no different. Bringing light to a dreary day, it’s the song you play full volume when driving home, singing along without even knowing the lyrics.
Find out more about Ian Roland on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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