Holding Poison Soar With Grit, Power, And Precision On “Change It All”
- STAFF
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
By: Staff
An electrifying masterclass in modern rock brilliance from Holding Poison.
Holding Poison just dropped another explosive track, “Change It All,” and we were immediately pulled in by the intensity they’ve become known for. This London-based band has a reputation for turning raw energy into tightly constructed chaos, and “Change It All” is a perfect example of how well they channel that fire.
The moment we hit play on “Change It All,” we were met with a sonic wall of thunderous drums that felt like they were crashing right through the speakers. Joe Lazarus doesn’t just play the drums, he commands them, setting a furious tempo that gives the song its heartbeat. Layered over that foundation are the gritty, distorted guitars of Jack Findell, unleashing a rhythmic assault that’s rich with dimension and nuance, bringing a sense of purpose and sophistication to the sheer power of the guitars. Beneath it all, Alex Hogg’s bass holds everything together with a steady, pulsating force that ties the chaos into something purposeful. That opening alone had us hooked, laying the groundwork for what quickly became a standout moment in Holding Poison’s growing discography.
Following that explosive introduction is a slick and intricate drum fill that rolls out the welcome mat for Matt Blackwell’s vocals. His entry has a sliding, soaring quality, raw with grit and emotion, and it instantly delivers the signature sound we’ve come to expect from him. There’s a cadence and tonal control in Blackwell’s voice that feels both instinctive and intentional. His diction cuts through the instrumentation with clarity, wrapping the lyrics in a delivery that fills the air with purpose. It’s not just the way he sings, but the conviction behind every line that gives the track its emotional depth.
We were quickly drawn into the lyrics, which are sharp, anthemic, and delivered with genuine urgency. When the harmony interlude hit, it changed the game. While Blackwell’s vocal presence already had us sold, the addition of a call-and-response section added a retro-inspired twist that elevated the track. This stylistic nod, evocative of 1960s soul and rock vocal interplay, felt fresh in the context of the band’s modern production style. It brought a new layer of sonic complexity to the track, enhancing its depth in a way that felt seamless and fully in tune with the band’s evolving sound. When Blackwell returned to the forefront and dropped the line, “I’ve seen it / I’ve seen it die,” it felt like a moment pulled straight out of a cinematic climax, an emotional, dramatic peak powered by his voice, bolstered by a swirling storm of harmonies and guitars. That one lyric, delivered with ferocity over a swell of instrumentation, became the defining moment of the song.
And what also stood out was how the guitars leaned into quick, sharp bursts of soloing that reminded us of the refined flair of Steely Dan. It’s a technique we rarely hear in modern rock: compact, expressive guitar licks that cut through the mix with confidence and purpose.
Throughout “Change It All,” Blackwell sounds fully immersed in the moment, as if he’s almost leaning into the mic with each line, shifting from hushed reflection to gritty intensity. The emotion in his voice surges, rising alongside the blistering drum work from Lazarus, the churning basslines from Hogg, and the searing guitar leads from Findell. Together, the band builds a momentum that feels like it’s barreling toward something unstoppable. The song doesn’t just progress, it erupts. And when the chorus returns with Blackwell’s vocals soaring like an air raid siren, only to be met by another round of call-and-response harmonies and fiery guitar solos, it becomes a full-on immersive experience.
We were left floored by the evolution and precision of Holding Poison on this track. “Change It All” is what happens when a band that’s already talented takes the time to fine-tune their chemistry in the studio and then channels it into something honest and impactful. The result is not just a song, it’s a statement. This band is poised for big things, and after hearing what they’ve done here, we’re confident they’ll capture the attention of fans and tastemakers alike.
“Change It All” by Holding Poison is a towering achievement in emotional precision and explosive musicality
Holding Poison emerged from the stillness of London’s 2020 lockdown with a shared mission and a fiercely collaborative spirit. Formed by four musicians whose chemistry was immediate and unmistakable, the band quickly carved out a space for themselves in the modern rock scene. Matt Blackwell leads with vocals and guitar, balancing melody and grit with natural charisma. Jack Findell brings sharpness and clarity with his lead guitar work, injecting solos and textures that never feel indulgent. Alex Hogg’s bass acts as the glue, locking in tightly with Joe Lazarus, whose drumming is explosive, precise, and central to the band’s sound.
Their recent collaboration with veteran producer Chris Sheldon helped crystallize their sonic identity, combining raw emotion with clean, forceful production. With influences that range from the unfiltered punch of Foo Fighters to the introspective tones of John Mayer, Holding Poison fuses edge with introspection in a way that feels grounded yet soaring. Their work captures moments of doubt, transformation, and resolve, universal themes that resonate with anyone looking to move forward through uncertainty. We're so excited to have found them and can’t wait to hear more from Holding Poison!
Make sure to playlist, stream and share “Change It All” by Holding Poison.
