About two weeks ago I was given the absolute pleasure of seeing Los Angeles’ very own, The Holdup, here in Atlanta. Although The Holdup technically falls under the reggae category they often blend that with an r&b or pop sound. I just think SoCal. The show in Atlanta was the first show of their tour with JoMersa and Collie Budds but it didn’t feel like that at all. I’ve had my fair share of being the first stop on a tour and I never really expect much and often times leave with the memory of a good show. This time I left with the memory of a great show. I have a soft spot for bands that are very interactive with their crowds and from the second The Holdup stepped on stage they had everyone’s attention (which might I add is always a good sign for an opener!). During the set, they debut their new single, ‘Closet’s All Black’, which is now out on all streaming services. Whether you were in the group that was going all out or you were in the back end nodding your head and tapping a foot, everyone in the crowd was moving in some sort of way. Lead singer Mike Garmany has this personality that makes you feel like you’ve known him forever and there is almost no barrier between the crowd and the band; we were all one. Nobody would’ve thought that these four guys had just driven straight from LA to start the tour.