In the now cantankerous blogosphere, music is listened to and reviewed through a linear, historical lens, using bands that chronologically came before the artist under review to provide some sort of exposition for how the artist may sound or feel. Often resulting in discussion, it is a useful, albeit somewhat limited strategy to put a finger on what the listener is experiencing. In the debut album, Purple Creek, High Diner’s sound could be compared to acts from the 60′s and 70′s like the Beatles or psychedelic standouts such as Syd Barrett, Velvet Underground or even the very spacey Strawberry Alarm Clock.
Despite the serious vintage vibe, there are still subtle twinges of later 80′s things like A-Ha and Prefab Sprout. Regardless of what most would agree as influences on the band’s sound, it would be more useful to understand that High Diner has created an emblematic sound of their own, with each track expressing unique feelings and experiences.
The 21-year-old John Murphy fronts the new Boston collective and has had 15 years of piano experience in Jazz and Classical music, which explains the thoroughly well-done composition on the LP. The bands primary, spatial genre could be simplified to something like piano rock or pop rock, yet the band frequently departs into styles like funk and dancey electronica, as if subtly nodding at modern motifs in a, “Yeah, we can do that too” kind of way.
“Schoolyard” is a wonderfully spacey jam, with a vintage honky-tonk piano interplay and vocal melodies that arouse a semblance to the Pink Floyd psychedelic classic, “Piper at the Gates of Dawn.” Soaring harmonies are paired with minimalist, emotive lyrics:
I live in a school yard
four by four by four by three
all in a row there still like
definitely you can come and see what’s new
if you insist yeah if you must insist
and I know you will
(know you will)
Murphy’s piano skills are present in songs like this, making the listener wonder what kind of stage presence the guys at High Diner have.
Each individual tune is uniquely interesting, all the while having distinct emotions and movements between them. There are songs like “Massachusetts Waltz” and “In The Morning” which sound like they belong in a movie like “Dinner For Schmucks,” even slightly resembling one of the artists on the soundtrack, Sondre Lerche.
The half-way point features a track entitled “Cornucopia,” and is one of the most interesting tracks overall. An instrumental, it begins with a wide, reverbified/chorused acoustic guitar rhythm. Slowly, a lo-fi, jazzy drum beat enters, using the ride cymbals to accentuate the acoustic rhythm, now accompanied by a ukulele playing a very simple three note melody. The song conjures similar feelings to bands like Beirut, or songs like “Brazil” on Arcade Fire’s Funeral B-Side. A saxophone joins in, accompanying the melody, then moves into a wonderfully jazzy solo and shortly after ends the song with the culmination of the instruments playing the main, familiar melody.
The last track “Sunday,” is a realistic finalization to the themes and feelings High Diner has utilized on the LP. After an intro reminiscent to dream-pop contemporaries, Beach House, a simple electronic drum beat continues and a tranquilized, pastoral vocal melody.
I saw a bird today
she smiled to me and flew away
I saw a plane today
I missed my flight now where am I to stay
maybe you’re the sun day
I’m the monday to the friday
show me where you fly away
Despite the almost overbearing pop feel, Murphy’s lyrics and vocal presence evoke images of reminiscing about the past and of having things and losing them. In a truly enjoyable album, High Diner’s skillful musicianship and creativity make you wonder “why aren’t they more famous?”
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars!
Album Name: Purple Creek
Date Released: July, 2012
Genre: Pop Rock
Location: Boston, MA
Band Members: John Murphy (piano, keyboard, acoustic guitar, vocals), Jordan Zylak (electric guitar, bass, vocals), Colin Leeds (bass, vocals), Tom MacLean (drums), Kevin Notar (synths), Aldo Tokashiki ( acoustic guitar), Carlos Llerena (saxophone), Kramer Gibson (trumpet)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HighDiner
Bandcamp: http://highdiner.bandcamp.com/
