Traquair – “Held the pulse (EP)”
Traquair Wraps Psychedelic Folk and Classic-Rock Warmth Around Held the Pulse
Traquair’s Held the Pulse is a five-track EP with a warm, analogue character that immediately suits its Glasgow night-time imagery. Stewart Traquair moves through classic rock, psychedelic folk, and hazier alternative-rock tones with a sound that feels lived-in rather than overly polished. It has that slightly faded glow of old records, but the songwriting keeps everything fresh, melodic, and easy to follow.
“Girl, Your Mind Is a Dangerous Game” opens the EP with one of its more psychedelic rock-leaning moments. The guitar has a fuzzy presence, and some sections carry a slight stoner-rock weight, giving the track a darker and more hypnotic edge. It is a strong way to introduce the record because it places the listener straight inside Traquair’s world: strange, catchy, rough around the edges, but always musical.
“What If What’s to Come Is the Only Attraction” keeps some of that classic-rock and slightly stoner-tinged atmosphere, but it also brings in a more pop-facing side. The acoustic guitar works as a strong foundation, grounding the song while the surrounding textures keep it loose and colourful. That balance between direct melody and psychedelic atmosphere is one of the EP’s most enjoyable qualities.
By the time the record reaches “A Great Time to Be Alive,” Traquair leans into something more Velvet Underground-esque, with acoustic guitar taking a central role and giving the song a more intimate, street-corner feel. It closes the EP with a sense of bruised optimism, staying warm even when the mood feels reflective.
Across Held the Pulse, the vocals remain soothing and full of character, helping the songs stay catchy even when the arrangements drift into more psychedelic territory. Some moments also carry a light Britpop flavour, especially in the melodic instinct and the slightly romantic roughness of the delivery.
Held the Pulse is a solid and charming EP, full of classic-rock warmth, psychedelic detail, and acoustic-driven soul. Traquair makes it feel simple on the surface, but the atmosphere, guitar tones, and melodies give it real staying power.