• Band / Artist : The Higher – mySpace
• Genre : Pop / Rock / R&B
• Sample Track Download : Insurance
• Buy CD : Smart Punk
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

The Emo genre of music, is one that’s often misrepresented in the press. It’s also one that means different things to different people. To some it’s well crafted music, with a dark lyrical edge. To others it’s all out desperation and despair. The Higher is a band that has that some what Emo feel to a few of their tracks, but it’s definitely more of the upbeat, darker lyrical edged variety.

I’ve actually sat on the album for a while. It was one of those albums that came in unsolicited and to be honest, I just had a feeling it wasn’t going to be my cup of tea. So it languished for a few weeks, until I heard my daughter playing something and asked her what it was. Sure enough it was The Higher. So I dug through my pile to give the album a spin and was pleasantly surprised.

This 12 track album has a real energy to it, without having that total overloaded, bloated feel. Sometimes I hear younger bands that have this high energy and almost relentless and overpowering feel to them. Here the band concentrates on well structured songs with a well crafted kick.

The album opens with “Insurance”, sounding at first like the Hughes Corporation’s “Rock the Boat”, or rather opens with what could be a sample, that’s used throughout the track. It’s a great track, that introduces The Higher’s sound nicely. “Guts” continues the great sound and is in fact a very radio friendly song, which I could also imagine featuring on MTV or VH1 accompanied by a creative video.

One of my favorite tracks on the album, is the oh too short “Histrionics” which has some gorgeous acoustic guitar and is just a sheer joy to listen to. Another particular favorite, which showcases another side to the band, is the wonderful “Can Anyone Really Love Young”, with a more laid back feel and great vocals.

An amazing follow up album to the bands 2005 release “Histrionics”, which I have to admit passed me by completely. Featuring a fairly wide range of musical styled, with songs that vary from the great, to amazing. There’s not a duff track on the album.

Conclusion : An incredible album, which while instantly appealing to the younger music crowd, also has a lot to offer the more discerning mature listener. Fantastic stuff.