Melbourne based alternative rock band High Side Driver has recently released their first self-titled EP.
The five track offering includes the single See You Next Tuesday and three of the five tracks have been recorded, mixed and produced by Peter ‘Reggie’ Bowman whose extensive set of collaborations range from Frankenbok to Tommy Emanuel.
The first track, MGF, opens with a lead riff that is underlined by a bass phrase suggestive of bands such as Isis and NSW’s Dumbsaint, whilst it is not long before the chorus kicks in and sinks its teeth into the ears of the listener. Vocalist Rob Pearson belts out soulful lyrics with a sincerity that is equivalent to the genuine amount of Ghost fans at HEAVY. Some effects soaked guitars accompany the emotive singing on MGF, whilst a hint of orchestral backing can be heard towards the crescendo ending of Voices (I hear). The strings sections of the EP are subdued and quite far back in the overall mix, but counteract nicely with the riff-heavy sections. Four out of the five tracks on the EP consist of a full band backing whereas the somber track Leave This Moment descends into a dark interlude of acoustic delicacies before the heaviest riff-driven track on the EP tears through the speakers.
High Side Drivers debut EP is out now via the band’s bandcamp and is likely to appeal to fans of the alternative rock genre.
