High Vis were formed in 2016 from the ashes of some of the UK’s best hardcore bands (Dirty Money, Tremors, DiE, The Smear). The hardcore origins remain but High Vis are never going to be confined by a particular genre. They have announced their second album Blending set for release on 9 September via DIAS Records. A melting pot of influences can be seen in new single ‘Fever Dream’ whose baggy groove and chiming guitars belie an existential exploration of the summer. Guitarist Martin Macnamara further explains:
“‘Fever Dream’ was written during the hottest days of summer and is about a kind of existential aimlessness that is at its best and worst during that time of the year – when it’s easy to feel more alive, but the longer, empty days can do bad things to overactive minds. Musically it walks a narrow line between that sense of hope and despair but emphasises the former by nodding towards a baggy, swirling Northern sound.”
The London 5-piece continue to widen their view on new album Blending. With quoted favourites such as Fugazi and Echo and The Bunnymen, they also shared the likes of Ride and even Flock Of Seagulls as reference points as they worked on the album.
Vocalist and lyricist Graham Sayle has always openly commented on poverty, class politics, and the challenges of everyday life. His social conscious still exists of course, but on Blending he’s looking inward and his own emotional landscape.
“To me, the lyrics are less selfish,” he reflects. “In the past, I couldn’t see past whatever was going on with me. It’s about accepting things and being open to conversations and learning to talk to people rather than just thinking that we’re all doomed.”
High Vis UK Tour Dates:
Jun 25th | Manchester – Outbreak Fest at Bowlers Exhibition Centre
Aug 15th | London – Underworld !
Nov 10th | London – Underworld #
! with Fiddlehead & Militarie Gun
# with The Chisel, Ironed Out, Nekra
For more information on High Vis please check out their facebook and bandcamp.
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