Holylight's Everything Goes
Is a Beautifully Melancholic Blend of Grunge and Shoegaze
Since emerging in 2017, Holylight has quietly built one of the most impressive catalogues in Ireland's alternative music scene. The Dublin-based project of songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and frontwoman Alex Rosenberger has carved out a distinctive sound where crushing grunge guitars collide with shimmering synths, driving rhythms and refreshingly honest songwriting.
Over the years, Holylight has become a familiar name on Dublin's live circuit, bringing their powerful performances to venues including The Sound House, Fibber Magees, Anseo and The Sugar Club. Along the way they've earned praise from Hot Press, Golden Plec, StarFish Magazine, McGig Music and Hidden Track, while racking up more than 30,000 streams across digital platforms.
Their latest single, Everything Goes, feels like another confident step forward.
At its heart, the track explores the strange comfort and quiet sadness that comes with accepting the relentless passage of time. It's about learning to let life carry you forward, even when you're not quite ready to let go.
Musically, Everything Goes
is an irresistible blend of '90s slacker rock, grunge and shoegaze. It opens with gently strummed electric guitar and Alex Rosenberger's wistful vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere before the song explodes into life. A punchy rhythm section arrives alongside a wall of fuzz-soaked guitars and an instantly memorable riff that gives the track its emotional weight.
The production strikes an impressive balance between raw energy and dreamy textures. Layers of distorted guitars swirl around the mix without ever overwhelming the melody, while the rhythm section keeps everything grounded. Rosenberger's vocal performance is particularly captivating, delivering every lyric with a melancholy that feels deeply rooted in both shoegaze and dream-pop traditions.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Rosenberger explains that Everything Goes
was born from the simultaneous cruelty and kindness that is time passing,
comparing it to getting handed a coffee by your favourite barista for the very last time, or realising that it has been two whole years since you've last thought about the ex you swore you'd never get over.
Rather than dwelling on nostalgia, Everything Goes
embraces change with quiet acceptance, reminding us that even life's most bittersweet moments eventually become part of who we are.
Final Verdict
With its soaring guitars, immersive atmosphere and heartfelt songwriting, Everything Goes
is one of Holylight's strongest releases to date. Fans of Slowdive, Smashing Pumpkins, DIIV and Nothing will find plenty to love here, but Holylight's sound remains uniquely their own. As the Dublin alternative outfit continues to evolve, this latest single proves they're a band well worth keeping firmly on your radar.
The single, Everything Goes, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Memphis Zuza
