Los Angeles – Canada’s HIGHS shows off flair and slick production on the sweeping alt-pop debut, Dazzle Camouflage. The band – which consists of Doug Haynes, Karrie Douglas, Joel Harrower, Paul Vroom, and Liam Cole – has crafted the first “true” summer album of 2016. Dazzle Camouflage marks the follow-up to the band’s 2014 self-titled EP and a new venture into darker overtones. The record is filled with imagery and bold colors. It paints a vivid landscape. The range of the album touches upon indie-pop, folk-pop, and dream-pop. Yes, the music here essentially has a pop resonance, but it’s far more than that. This debut is dazzlingly melodic, with a vibrancy that’s unrivaled by most albums thus far, this year. There’s tons of exquisiteness to find and explore as HIGHS has truly constructed something memorable. With dual vocalists, Haynes and Douglas’ juxtaposition adds much depth and variety. Dazzle Camouflage is the path you want to set yourself upon, as what you will see and feel is much superior than the roads others have traveled on.
“I Do, Do You?” kicks off the LP beautifully. A mixture of Local Natives and Of Monsters and Men, the instantly affable track is addictive. The summer vibes, the “ah, ah, ahs” in the chorus, and the lilt vocals from Haynes come together flawlessly. “Closetalkers” starts with a spacey sound before it turns into something undeniably compelling. The dreamy composition blends numerous sounds; a soothing feeling consumes the listener. The members of HIGHS are perfectionists at creating consoling sounds that are difficult not to be utterly enamored by. This is pitch-perfect indie-pop that can’t be ignored, nor should it. “Portugal” hits every note as it sinks into your soul. HIGHS has a penchant for performing tropical-pop sounds. It’s addicting to be listening on the other end of it. The quintet’s direction here is very straightforward; however, it’s much richer than I anticipated. Generally, bands that fall into this category don’t have much to offer that’s much different from their peers. However, HIGHS cuts deep with thematic imagery, passionate songwriting, and captivating arrangements.
The record has an Interlude track leading into the second half of the record, which feels a bit darker than the first half, but in a welcoming way. The sounds of “So Sad, Never Mad” are reminiscent of Foals, which shouldn’t surprise given Luke Smith (Foals, Depeche Mode) produced the record. The track has sharp guitar riffs and a persuasive baseline. Haynes’ vocals seem heavier, and the chorus shows off Douglas’ vocal chops, bringing lightness to the track. The two work together magically, and with each passing song, it feels like this record was heaven sent! Douglas provides lead vocals on “Acting Strange,” and at first this seems jarring, with one being used to Haynes’ style, but as you settle in, you realize this is one of the best tracks on the album. She demonstrates so much strength, boastfulness, and conviction. I wouldn’t have mind hearing a few more tracks led by her! Haynes does make a vocal appearance toward the end, and it simply adds to the song. The finale comes in the shape of “Gold Teeth.” The pensive structure of the song works well as HIGHS once again shows off instrumental prowess in the final stretch of the song. It will leave you enthusiastically satisfied with not only the end of the track, but as a conclusion to this brilliantly accomplished record. I may be sounding a bit gleeful here, but Dazzle Camouflage is an amazing record that will probably go down as one of the best-hidden gems of 2016!
Check out HIGHS on Facebook for more info on the band’s latest videos and tour dates. Dazzle Camouflage is set for release on April 8 and is available for pre-order.
Sean Kayden
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