Pace Yourself EP,
The Higher
I really like The Higher. I though 'Histrionics' was a really fun record, and while extremely poppy, kinda married the pop/rock thing in a way that not too many bands have done successfully. Epitaph Records agreed with me and this EP, released only via iTunes, is a prelude to a forthcoming full-length CD that we can expect to hear in early 2007. And while it is only brief - and only 2 tracks are new - it suggests The Higher haven't altered a winning formula.
The melodic vocals and Mike Green's flawless production make 'Weapons Wired' one of The Higher's best songs yet. Slightly quicker than mid-tempo, there's enough kick for this to sound like Northstar without the lazy vocl drawl - and that's high praise indeed. 'Movement' isn't quite as good yet still manages a huge vocal hook in the chorus, and if these two songs are to the standard we can expect of the album, we are definitely in for a treat.
The remaining two songs on this EP are re-worked versions of tracks from the last record. 'In The Set' is completely re-recorded, possibly for the better, as it certainly sounds more full. Imagine the production jump Over It had from 'Timing Is Everything' to 'Silverstrand' and you'll know what I mean. The track was one of my faves from 'Histrionics' and it's been improved, so that's a good thing. And anyway, the gang vocal 'Oh for goodness sake' bit is just insanely good. However, the Patrick Stumpf remixed, Justin Timberlake-inspired 'Pace Yourself' is just a little, well, weird. Lots of echo-y vocals, synth parts...it just doesn't suit the track at all. It's a bad end to a decent reminder that The Higher are one of the most underrated bands around.
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