High Places - High Places

High Places

High Places

(09.2008, Thrill Jockey)
Verdict: A sure-fire equation to get your accolades and adoration.

A few of the hottest indie trends in music right now are: boy girl indie electro duos, creepy cover art, anything "experimental", gatefold vinyl packaging containing colored pressed wax, danceable jams, and don't forget that important and mesmerizing throwback of a word, psychedelic. High Places have hit all those trendy but enjoyable nails squarely on the head and have newly released a fresh batch of hypno-tribal subtle pop songs for you to fall asleep/meditate to, or boogie to, whichever you prefer. High Places is definitely a good addition to the 2008 catalog of good music, and is very enjoyable to listen to. I just worry that with all the trendiness ensuing, the novelty may wear away quickly and High Places will become forgettable, but for now, let us enjoy and praise the bold new steps of the young newish-comers and thoroughly congratulate them on combining all the things we can't get enough of in music as of late.

-Sassigrass

-High Places on Myspace

High Places - 03/07-09/07

High Places
03/07-09/07
(2008, eMusic)
Verdict = Pleasant Experimental Pop

In preparation for their highly anticipated debut, eMusic has exclusively released a compilation of already staggering highlights from the Pitchfork approved High Places. Usually I would try and act all high and mighty with a reference to “the devil’s website,” but I honestly would have had no clue who these guys were without that review, and yes I read Pitchfork daily (pause for gossipy whispers). Anywho, this isn’t a forum for arguing about ridiculous hipster posturing or anything like unto it, this is however a place to talk about note worthy music and High Places is definitely note worthy. Filled with bouncy, left field electronics and cutesy vocals, High Places is simple and satisfying. There is something about the bands music that is reminiscent of preschool, fruit, candy, crayons and cake. I don’t know exactly how to equate that except to say that there is absolutely no pretense here. High Places seem genuinely innocent and simply excited to make minimalistic booty-shakers topped with ethereal, childlike vocals. Think Black Dice meets Sesame Street. Just the thought makes me laugh. That would be a funny dance party. 03/07-09/07 is all of that and a bag of greasy Lays brand potato chips. With a promise of good things to come, High Places eMusic exclusive is already one of the most enjoyable releases so far this year.

-Mr. Thstle

High Places on Myspace