Hangin’ Out

A couple of cute kids with impossibly cool and cute friends (including but not limited to Atlas Sound, Ecstatic Sunshine, Mika Miko and Hawnay Troof, all of which you can expect to read about in upcoming EMJ posts), High Places is a delightfully forward-thinking band. Based in the mecca of cool, Brooklyn, NY, which to us in New Zealand seems increasingly like a utopia of experimental indie bands who challenge the ideas of sound, High Places navigate through cascading genres with tabla drums sounding like they stem from Egypt or the greater Middle East. They fall into no category but their own. With sprinklings of percussion, the likes of which you would have seen your fair share of if you went to the Polka Dot Dot Dot show last night at Whammy bar (in Auckland, NZ), High Places is a grower band of exploding international potential. At first their sound can be befuddling, layer upon layer of warped, jangly bells, Mary’s sweet vocals and Mardi Gras drums may beat some confusion into you, but you may also quickly fall head over heels in love with their quirky sound – if Ruby Suns, El Guincho or Can particularly are your cup of tea. High Places is signed to Thrill Jockey, Upset The Rhythm and Mistletone, but that hasn’t stopped them from making all of the songs on their colour-changing Myspace available for free download. Check out some of these tunes below. Currently touring with No Age and Abe Vigoda, and later Pony Tail; they are ones to watch for sure. Set to release their debut self-titled LP in September, their fruity, bubbly songs – like warm lemonade on a hot sunny day – make them freakin’ sweet.

High Places – New Grace: MP3

High Places – Golden: MP3

High Places – Shared Islands: MP3

High Places – Myspace

Posted by Sarah Gooding under New York