The birth of High/Low
I know the
story behind High/Low. I know that there’s Steve Weston on guitar, contributing
vocals on every song, and Lee Yates playing bass. They are a dynamic duo,
working magic on their instruments, who are, whilst performing live and
recording, complemented by Neil on
drums (update: David Pankhurst has joined forces with High/Low in 2014 and is the band's current drummer) . I‘ve also learned the amusing story of how they’ve met originally and
grown into being High/Low. It was when Lee needed a website made and someone
gave him Steve’s number (major props to this unknown conciliator!).When Lee’s
check bounced they had to meet each other in person and soon found Lee plays
bass. From then on they have been performing together, not under the name of
High/Low at first but they moved towards it eventually. Being like-minded music
enthusiasts, sharing the same visions in respect to where they wanna head
musically, they became what we now know as High/Low. It worked quite well for
them thus far: they are still in High/Low, they have been gigging together for
some years and will do so hopefully for many years to come.
But most of
you probably don’t know these things about them which is most likely why you
don't know or show great interest in them being in their first album making process. That’s most
likely why you haven't spared a thought yet about how they can make it a successful
one, even realise their endeavor without having proper support and finacial backing.
That’s why you probably haven’t helped to fund their debut album yet (what I asked
you to do in my last post). I don't want to accuse you though for something that's not your fault, knowing some of you might just be unaware of High/Low's existence and that's why you haven't been involved until now. As for the the rest, I understand your reluctance. I really do and I don’t blame
you (I mean, I also tend to think long and hard about whom I’m gonna show
support to, lastly who I’m gonna spend my money on).
Now, I want you to get to know High/Low, if you
already know them, to open up to their music a little more, and hopefully find
your very own reason to fully fall in love with it, like I did. I want you to
reconsider, to look deeper.
The sound of High/Low’s music
You know
who High/Low are now, what’s awesome. But you probably don’t know how their
music sounds like or only received a certain impression of it thus far. Hence, let’s change this, let’s make
you feel connected on a deeper level.
I gotta
confess, I haven’t see them perform live yet. Unfortunately. So all I can tell
about their music is based on what I’ve heard whilst listening to their EPs and
whilst watching live performances of them on YouTube. What I’ve exprienced -
and that’s something you probably can’t dispute - is that their set is
charaterized by energy and high spirit, on stage and on the record.
High/Low - Tell Me Something (@ Chinnery's 22/2/2013)
High/Low present
their songs in a convincing manner: it’s a vivid, a passionate performance full
of energy and soul. I can imagine it attracts the audience in all respect: the memorable
and inviting rhythms and melodies make one move along, the up-beat compositions
resonate grandly. At times even that grandly that Steve’s vocals - husky and intense
in character - get lost in the vast, rousing and dynamic sound of the
instrumental backing. Don’t get me wrong, the mostly guitar driven sound of the
band does justice to the songs’ concepts, it stresses the vigorous and energetic
nature of High/Low’s music and is well
excecuted. It also brings stirring moments, deepfelt moments the audience, the
listener in general, will not be able to elude.
But - in my
book - Steve’s reliable and remarkable vocal performance should rather enhance
the strengths of every song than to be caught up in the infectious
instrumental sound, what can be witnessed at times whilst listening to the band's EPs - eventhough there are shining moments for all of the band
members playing their instruments. There’s an endearing sequence, almost an
encore of solid guitar riffs in ‘Forty’, there’s a reserved
yet soulful and sonorous drum play in ‘Walk Away’, and there are consistent
supporting, thrilling bass lines which come into picture (or better said: into
sound) in every song featured on High/Low’s EPs.
Still, the
band should find a more proper way to ballance vocals and instrumentals in some
places - as both are exceptionally evocative and powerful.
A brief
look at the lyrics. They are thoughtful and taking. They are ‘sing-along’
material, absolutely, still bearing deep message and meaning. Some are notably witty
and deliberate (‘Boulder Hill’ and ‘Forty’). Deliberate for instance when ‘No
one’s here to listen to your song’ sounds. It shows High/Low are well aware of
the fact that that they don’t reach out to everyone with their songs - may this
be due to their distinctive approach to music, may this be due to experience,
the experience that a bunch of people suffer from a general lack of interest
in finding out about new music,
especially music by up and coming, rather unknown bands. High/Low are realistic
musicians. Steve and Lee also know that what counts most is their contentment
with the music they create. It’s a place for them to feel familiar, a place of
belonging. Their music expresses who they are and what stories they want to
tell. And they won’t change anything about their music to build a fanbase which is obviously not interested in finding what they truly sound like, they want you to feel connected to their music as it is.. High/Low are authentic musicians.
High/Low -
a band to care about
High/Low -
a band to care about
It becomes
apparent that High/Low know their music, know what they search for in songs
while composing them. After all it’s not the first band project Steve and Lee
have been involved in, but High/Low is the one they feel like they have finally ‘found their
ground’ with. At some point they are making music for themselves, music they
are satisfied with - hoping the listener will be as well, but don’t expect
everyone to grow fond of it. It’s not their main concern to fit the mold, the
taste of the ‘average music listener’, but to stay true to the music they
create. Of course they want people to listen, to like it, but not by feigning. They
strike out on their own, and they do so successfully. Surely, you can’t deny
High/Low have their musical influences, and neither Steve nor Lee try to hide that fact, rather they are outspoken
about it (I hope I’m not gonna cross a line hereby, but they certainly have
their ‘fanboy’ (is this even a word?!)
moments too. It obviously shows they are not only interested in theirs, but also in other
bands’ music. Dinosaur Junior’s, whose
songs they state as a major influence, and Dinosaur Pile-Up’s for instance*). Nontheless
they try to make music that stands out, that differs, but they don’t risk to
lose their very own connection to the music they compose . High/Low are passionate, committed and sincere musicians.
High/Low make
music for the music’s sake. They let it speak for itself, not forcing anything.
Not expecting everyone to like it, but hoping some will understand and
acknowledge. At least this how I feel about their music.
Here’s what
I believe, what I’m actually convinced of: Steve and Lee have managed and still
do manage the highs and lows of being musicians quite well. It’s a matter of
attitude in fact. Every musician struggles to be heard, to blend with the taste
of the ‘average music listener’ whilst trying to stand out nonetheless. In some
way, High/Low simply do what they’re passionate about: creating music, music of
soul and recall value. They keep it raw but resonant and they cope with people
not showing interest in what they are doing. They know affection can’t be
forced. In contrast, they are beyond grateful for those who take time to listen
to their songs. They are fully dedicated to their music as they are also fully
dedicated to their fans. They obviously enjoy to interact with them, not only
because they know how important it is to let the fans, the listeners and
supporters be part of the music making process, but also because they care. Steve
and Lee have found the perks and drawbacks of being musicians, the highs and
lows. And both have learned to make the best out of it. An attitude that’s not
only admirable but also recommendable for every musician.
So, tell me: how’s about helping to fund on their debut album now?
* of which
I hope that they have now listened to High/Low’s music, and not left it at
reaching out on twitter, stating ‘yo’. High/Low deserve better! C’mon support
the little guys, find something special by digging deep(ly) ;)
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