Higher Music State go forward, guitars held high, on their new record Overboard. Review of an alt-folk-rock and strongheaded album.
OVERBOARD – HIGHER MUSIC STATE
Ah, it is the kind of introduction I adore. A sharp guitar dives in and hits the flesh when its acoustic counterpart comes in to soften the atmosphere. The vocals then find the same balance when they’re mixing. It’s Slide off and Die. And it’s not the only track to have that bite. The finger flipped at the political class in Portrait of Henry is absolutely electric. And if Violence is definitely sexy, it is also raw and brutal in its bass.
Some calmer tracks add folk to arty and psyche elements. It’s what Eiderdown becomes with its nostalgic tones, as well as the spiritual Don’t Forget the Love. Therapy takes a bluegrass path, Nature Mother is getting pop and delicate, and Chasing Nutmeg is a superb natural and sober a cappella. Without transition, Higher Music State comes back with a rolling rock with Wine & Whiskey and Slide Rule. Later, it is Latin’s inspirations that join in with Principles of Cliff Jumping. Lastly, it’s the most folk-rock track of all that closes the record with epic waves: Poppies.
The band doesn’t want to send its public overboard but invites it to jump into the great waves that mix all these inspiring genres. And because they’re creating such cool tunes, I can only jump head first in this album. The band’s strength resides in the mix of vocals and emotions. They always find the right balance, something just, and it’ll keep the ship afloat, in anger and tenderness alike. Overboard by Higher Music State is certainly and really way more unsinkable than other ships.
