High Places - Versus Mankind

Author

Anetta Nevin

Published

Thursday 26th August

Popfrenzy

High Places second album; High Places vs Mankind is characterised by a collection of unorthodox sounds including bells, bird calls, washes of ocean waves, mallets on mixing bowls, glockenspiel and sometimes eerie vocals. The sounds defining this album are unusual and beautiful, making it hard to pigeonhole their sound. It is a sign that High Places are onto a good thing. The album as a whole is beautiful, hypnotic, swirling, cascading and delicate, with just a hint of a Caribbean influence.

One of the most captivating songs on the album is ‘On A Hill In A Bed On The Road In A House’. Driven by the mantric loop of Mary Pearson’s vocals, the song feels as if it is twirling through the breeze. The overlaying effect of the vocals and the occasional delicate guitar melody ensure that it stops the chills that this song breathes.

Densely layering the sounds on an album can often be problematic, as the sound can often come out distracted or cluttered, however, on High Places vs Mankind, thIS talented duo have found a great balance and equilibrium of sounds. The soundscapes produced on this album are melodic and ornate, laden with treats for the ears. High Places vs. Mankind is a delicate and cascading album that’s definitely worth a listen.