Earlier this year, Brooklyn based Aussie duo High Highs loosed “Movement” – the first single from the then untitled follow up to their debut full length Open Season. It was a sparse, somber gem that manages to shuck the twosome’s trademark dream-pop stylings without being all that dramatic of a departure. Now in “Ocean to City”, the title track from their upcoming 3 song EP, the pop elements make their triumphant return. High Highs’ talents have always lied in their ability to take pair their beautiful, languid melodies with just the right amount of forward momentum.
“Ocean to City” manages to dial that up a few notches – arriving at an artfully more poppy direction than even the most infectious Open Season cuts. And yet in what is becoming their signature High Highs handles the increased tempo with absolute delicacy and grace. It’s a downright rush of sound, a deluge of synths but High Highs gentle care ensures that it never reaches the apex of aural onslaught, instead arriving as multi-layered pop masterwork. It’s catchy and hints at just enough of a change of direction from the duo to excite at High Highs’ continued progress. Their second full length may be ways away but “Ocean to City” reveals High Highs have just enough tricks up to their sleeve to avoid another slow burner.
High Highs’ Ocean to City EP dropped October 7th. Grab it here »
