Play 90 second soundbite of 'Soul Blind' @ 'CD quality'
Opening with the organ laden and catchy 'Soul Blind', New Highs set out their stall in no uncertain terms. Punchy and melodic, no frills, just down to business with their own take on what is after all a very competitive rock medium. New highs do a bloody good job of it. I particularly like their clean use of keyboards to enhance rather than cloud their songs. Short, un-showy guitar riffs further punctuate the songs - songs that are obviously well crafted and beautifully thought out.
My initial reaction was one of 'just another indie band' - but after a couple of listens I can now hear a depth that at first I thought may be lacking. The three tracks are quite varied overall and work very well in demo terms.
This is a 'big' band; big in so far as they're a six piece. Now normally I shy away from bands with what might be considered too many members. But, it works for New Highs. Through excellent arrangements they prevent their number crowding the songs - everything's done with a lot of thought and precision.
'Soul Blind' is a raunchy little piece with riffs aplenty and that great keyboard backdrop. 'Open Up' follows and is, I suppose, more of the same - almost Oasis-esque I suppose. The final track, 'Lonely Hearts Call', shows the depth of these guys; slower and reminiscent of Elbow and Embrace. For me, this is the most impressive song here. Whereas the first two are very much derivative, 'Lonely Hearts Call' sounds and feels more individual. It may not be the most commercial of the songs here but it shows that these guys can really write.
This untitled demo from New Highs shows great potential. I like what I hear - and the more I hear it, the more I like it. Good work guys - this should certainly work very well for you.
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