I first saw HighSchool in a very small room up a winding flight of stairs in a pub in Brighton. It was this past May at The Great Escape (basically UK SXSW). As a trio, they’re incredibly striking from the get go. Almost alien? It feels like there’s a distinct difference and distance between them and the audience. Which only makes them all the more interesting.
The Australian band relocated to the UK during the pandemic and have been causing quite a stir since then. Their last EP Forever at Last is immediately catchy, but they’ve perhaps one upped themselves with their latest single “Only a Dream”.
Continuing on with influences from New Order to The Smiths, the track isn’t a departure from their established sound, but seems to sparkle just that much more. Produced by Speedy Wunderground legend Dan Carey, there’s an anthemic quality to it and it cuts through more directly and less atmospherically. The accompanying split screen video communicates the visual world of the band — lo-fi, blue tinged, nostalgic, mysterious, and romantic. Tumblr circa 2008 is shaking in their boots.
The band shared a little insight on their first experience working with Dan Carey on this track
The process of making a song – from composing to recording to releasing – usually takes us ages. We labour every detail and do like 30 mixes before we’re happy. In this sense, working with Speedy has been a revelation. Completing the recording of an entire song in one day and completing the mix the next day was liberating. It taught us to be economical and concise, and not to sweat the small stuff. Dan is a total visionary and an absolute pleasure to work with. We’re super stoked with the result.
As of now, the band just have live plans for the UK, but hoping we’ll see them stateside shortly.
