This is a celebration of a great band and a great label. The High Water Marks have been around for two decades, but it is through the 2020s that they have become almost prolific. This coincided with the move from a two piece to a quartet,
Any band with Hilarie Sydney is going to be interesting with the Elephant 6 and Apples In Stereo credentials and that duo with Per Ole Bratset provided wonderful if sporadic results. Both are splendid vocalist and whether separate, duetting or joint, they have a way of bewitching you.
The addition of Logan Miller and Oystein Megard has allowed the band to become a formidable unit. Megard may be the drummer, but he is also a multi instrumentalist and his raiding of the instrument cupboard just adds to joy.
The band also a myriad of styles from Indie Pop to Glasgow Guitar Pop, 80s Indie to Psych Pop and all perfectly arranged and performed. The fact that there are two great vocalists just enhances the quality of the songs rather than being the be all and end all.
There is a mellow feel to the songs vocally, Sydney in particular has the voice of an angel, but the arrangements can lead to anything whether it be pace, drive or wistful. There is at times, some wonderful Jangle Pop and everything sounds so chipper.
This is a band at the top of their game, few can match what they come up. This is also an album to listen to from start to finish, hence me unusually not describing any of the songs. A special mention for Álvaro Lissón too. His Meritorio Records Label never ever fails to delight.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and as a download.
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