Belfast’s The Gold Tips have spent the past few years refining a sound steeped in classic soul—Sam Cooke, Solomon Burke, Stax, and Northern Soul—while keeping it firmly of the present. On “Hold On,” a standout from their 2026 album Hope and Recreation, the nine-piece outfit captures that balance with clarity and conviction.
The track stands as both a personal statement and a collective achievement, turning private tension into something communal and uplifting. Frontman and songwriter Eamonn McNamee has spoken about the song beginning in a place of honesty - the push and pull between doubt and resilience. That emotional core remains audible. His vocal delivery carries a lived-in quality: warm yet edged with determination, never over-dramatised. The rhythm section locks into a steady, grounded pulse that feels reassuring rather than rigid, while the horns arrive with a sense of release and optimism that lifts the track without overwhelming it. Keyboards and backing vocals add further texture, creating the kind of rich, live-band sound that has already earned the group praise from figures such as Craig Charles and Deb Grant.
What makes “Hold On” particularly effective is its sense of movement. It never rushes, yet it never stagnates. The arrangement builds naturally from a more intimate starting point into a fuller, more expansive statement, reflecting the song’s journey from solitary reflection to shared strength. In an era when much contemporary soul can feel overly polished or nostalgic for its own sake, The Gold Tips prioritise feel and musicianship.
The result is a track that sounds lived-in and immediate. This is music made by people who trust one another on the bandstand. The Gold Tips have already proven their live credentials, supporting Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Van Morrison at sold-out Custom House Square shows in Belfast. With Hope and Recreation now out, the band is set to take that energy further afield on an upcoming UK tour. Expect “Hold On” to become a live centrepiece: the kind of song that invites audiences to lean in during the quieter moments and then rise with the horns when the release arrives. Venues, dates and tickets for the tour can be found here.
At just over three minutes, “Hold On” is concise yet complete. It showcases a band confident in its identity - rooted in tradition, driven by groove, and committed to emotional truth. For listeners seeking modern soul that prioritises heart and musicianship over fashion, The Gold Tips continue to deliver. “Hold On” is a strong argument for why their particular brand of Belfast soul is worth holding onto.
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