Loving: To Where You Are - The High Violets

First things first: welcome to the next generation of “Loving.” Thanks to some online storage space, an insane desire to share music, and the blessing of some of my favorite artists, “Loving…” will now include MP3s! I’m no expert, but I believe this next step qualifies it as a “podcast” of sorts. Files will remain online for about a month after publishing unless I get such an overwhelming response as to move me to purchase additional storage space. Sound good? Then let’s continue!
The High Violets hail from my birth state of Oregon, the lovely city of Portland. Many are drawing lines from the Violets to classic shoegazer bands like My Bloody Valentine, Lush, and Curve. But listening to the band’s second album To Where You Are will only find traces and blips of those influential bands. The Violets chart a course into rich pop territory (without all the cheesiness that the word “pop” invokes), steering far clear of being a tribute band or a derivitave work. Guitarist Clint Sargent’s masterful guitar work jangles, soaks, saturates and lifts vocalist Kaitlyn Ni Donovan’s breezy vocals. Far more than “a shoegazer revivial”, The High Violets are craftsmen of a complex, melodic sound that is sure to please many an ear.
Such is the quality of the production and the attention to detail and nuance that I feel justified in saying that you won’t enjoy the full High Violets experience from an MP3. Consider this a teaser. If it whets your appetite, you’ll find your money well spend on a copy of To Where You Are.
“Cool Green” is my favorite song off the record right now, and my thanks go to Clint and Kaitlyn for allowing me to share it with you. Enjoy!
Listen: The High Violets – Cool Green (expires 5/6/06)
Buy To Where You Are on iTunes or Amazon.
Extras
Download “44 Down” & “Sunbaby” from the official website
Listen to more on their MySpace page