“Holding Treasure” is a song by English new wave band Shoc Corridor, released by Shout Records on 6 August 1984 as the lead single from their second and final studio album, Train of Events (1984). The song was written by band members Andrew Garnham (music), Paul O’Carroll (music, lyrics), and Paul Humphries (music), and was produced by Steve Harley.
Background
Harley was largely quiet in his musical activities during 1984, but he did produce two bands, one of whom were Shoc Corridor. The resulting track, “Holding Treasure”, was recorded at Vineyard Studios in London. It was released as a single by the independent label Shout Records on 6 August 1984, ahead of the band’s new album, Train of Events. The B-side, “Almost in Walking Distance”, did not involve Harley and was produced by the band instead. It was recorded at Tin Pan Alley Studio in London.
“Holding Treasure” was not a commercial success, but it did appear at number 7 for two consecutive months on the ILA Airplay Guide, which listed the independent records that were receiving the most airplay in the UK. Shoc Corridor disbanded at the end of 1984 following the suicide of bassist Paul Humphries.
Critical reception
Upon its release, Jerry Smith of Music Week commented, “A great moody, atmospheric single with lilting trumpet above melodic keyboards and an expressive vocal. With production by Steve Harley, this should bring the band to the attention of a wider audience.” Denis Kilcommons of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner described it as “superb contemporary music – cool, laid back with a throbbing rhythm and great vocals”. He added that, with Harley’s assistance, the band have “produced a delectable single that should do wonderful things to rectify their anonymity”.
Track listing
7-inch single (UK)
- “Holding Treasure” – 3:46
- “Almost in Walking Distance” – 3:12
Personnel
Shoc Corridor
- Paul O’Carroll (“Christmas”) – vocals
- Sarah Panton – vocals
- Andrew Garnharm – keyboards
- Paul Humphries – bass
Additional musicians on “Holding Treasure”
- John Du Prez – brass
- Martin Jay – LinnDrum
- Lindsey Elliott – snare
Production
- Steve Harley – producer (“Holding Treasure”)
- Joe Gillingham – engineer (“Holding Treasure”)
- Shoc Corridor – producers (“Almost in Walking Distance”)
- Peter Griffiths – engineer (“Almost in Walking Distance”)
Other
- The Raindear Design Company – artwork
