The High Violets: B​-​Sides & Rarities

Portland, OR shoegaze quartet The High Violets rounded up a bunch of rare tracks for their new album B-Sides & Rarities. Albums with a title like that - they are quite a few - usually cater to the fan base who missed out on a single or wants to hear alternate mix. The sequencing of a compilation can be a little awkward, but when it's done right the record can hold its own and being hailed as a great stand-alone release (the most famous is probably The Smiths' Hatful of Hollow).

They were regular contributors to the Static Waves compilations released by Saint Marie Records, with superb tracks like Sublime Haze and Altogether. Their ability to tell a tale within the space of a couple minutes and provide an intricate maze of post-psychedelic dream pop music will baffle the competition and please the listener. The demo version of Chinese Letter sounds actually better than the version that ended up on their Invitation EP and To Where You Are album. B-Sides & Rarities is an essential addition to their discography. And it is an invitation for those who are not familiar with them to dig deeper into their back catalog.

The High Violets: "Dum Dum" video

Watch the new animated video for Dum Dum by Portland based shoegaze dreampop band The High Violets, a track from their latest album Heroes And Halos. The clip was made by Christopher Slusarenko.

» thehighviolets.com

HCTF review of Heroes And Halos.

The High Violets: Heroes And Halos

There is such a thing as mainstream shoegaze dreampop. Portland, OR quartet The High Violets have all the trappings of an alternative favourite plus the pop sensibilites to lure the punters who live outside the circles of music geeks. Some of them might even think they are listening to Madonna - after she took some serious singing lessons and worked up the nerve to be backed by a real band.

Their new album Heroes And Halos is their first since Cinéma (2010). Lead guitarist Clint Sargent once again delivers a wealth of layered licks and flowing chord sequences. Singer Kaitlyn ni Donovan doesn't need to raise her voice. If more volume is needed, double tracking and echo can do the trick.