Harking back to the past for sonic influence is very much de rigueur at the moment. Bands left, right and centre are rummaging through old record collections and gorging themselves on sounds and styles, before selecting the juiciest morsels to add to their own concoctions and serve up a modern take on an old favourite. The early nineties guitar sounds has made something of a comeback in the last 18 months or so, challenging the 80’s for retro sound of choice for the aspiring musician.
While bands have plundered this period of late for their own means, none have had the audacity to try and travel back in time and move in. None until Highlands that is. This four-piece from Long Beach, California (of all places) have jumped in the Delorean, gunned it to 88 and shot through to Oxford, England 1991 where their swirled, dronesome shoegaze sound fits right in with the scene.
Listen to Singularity and you too will be transported through time. The clubs are dark and close, the fixtures and fittings rumble from the incessant low hum of a fuzzy bass noise. Riding this wave is a stoned, hazy guitar that, in the odd moment of lucidity, stands and fights the tide. The jangly, discordant wail against the deep monophonic grind. The battle reverberates through musician and crowd alike, they pitch and sway as one, buffeted by the psychedelic sounds and feedback as they close in around you.
Singularity may only be seven tracks and 33 minutes long, but you’ll need to come up for air once it’s done.
Singularity is out now via the Highlands Bandcamp page
Stalk Highlands
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yes to monophonic.what a great word!