High Vis

Since 2018, High Vis has polished their progressive hardcore sound with shades of post-punk, Brit pop, neo-psychedelia, and even Madchester groove, mapping a middle ground between hooks and fury, melodies and mosh pits. In 2019, High Vis released their debut album No Sense No Feeling, which broadened the scope of the hardcore veterans beyond scene while creating self-described “post-industrial-Britain misery punk.” The celebrated follow up, 2022’s Blending includes the tracks “Talk For Hours” and “Trauma Bonds” and not only expands upon the sonic breadth of High Vis, but vocalist Sayle opened his chest cavity through his lyrics discussing social issues and political miseries while reaching a hand out to folks listening to give a message of hope.

On Guided Tour, High Vis sounds like a band reaching for new heights, bristling with energy. Recorded across a few weeks at Holy Mountain Studios in London with producer Jonah Falco and engineer Stanley Gravett (who also helmed the sessions for High Vis’ Blending), the results feel dynamic and dialed-in, like anthems burned into sense memory through sweat and repetition. The album’s 11 songs span the spectrum of contemporary guitar music, sharpened by experience, camaraderie, and societal frustrations. From swaggering street punk to jangling indie sneer to heavy alt to shoegazey spoken word, the group’s chemistry transmutes any style to their unique intensity.