The Higher – On Fire
Epitaph Records (to be released 3/06/07)
Emo/Pop rock
The Higher Official Site
The Higher is living up to what their current MySpace headline says: “we set the world on fire march 6th.” Their music from their album, On Fire is upbeat, consistent and full of heat, energy and has every ability to light up the music world.
These Las Vegas natives have created a solid masterpiece of twelve songs mirroring their pivot in the pop-rock world, with shadows of R&B, punk, emo and soul influence backing their sound naturally. “Insurance” sets the album on fire like combustion, which surely could be mixed to be a techno/rock-mix hit with the very mixable beat and lyrics: “Let’s burn this filthy town straight into the ground with our dirty looks and glances”. “Guts”, a surprise to be track two, is a darker painted song, paced by solid guitars and lyrics: “We’ll catch your moderate slur/ And sing your modern love song/ But wish you’d died anyway”. “Histrionics” reminds me of Death Cab for Cutie and Fall Out Boy with a message of one love.
“Can Anyone Really Love” is one amazing song and could easily be on a One Tree Hill soundtrack. I forecast this to be a complete crossover success if marketed to Top 40 radio. “31 Floors” reminds me of Third Eye Blind’s “Semi Charmed Life”, but about not standing still and doing something about your life.
Many five-men rock bands have and will try to have a solid pop/rock fused sound to crossover into radio to simply make profit by the latest trends in the industry. Some are copying formulas set by successful bands, hoping that will be enough, but this is not The Higher. Their signature sound, complete with realistic songwriting, should be On Fire. They have what it takes without selling out.
Rating:
