'The High' Octane Performance 'In the City'

Reporter: Malcolm Journeaux
Date online: 01/10/2005

Under the watchful eye of mentor Duncan Rigby The High have begun to make the transition from young raw individuals with talent to a band beginning to fulfil that youthful potential. Their latest outing at the 'In the City' gig at The Palace in Manchester showed just how their sound has matured, they have grown into their beats and found a niche. Potent guitars emphasize good lyrics, underpinned by simple driving bass beats and truly stunning drums.

One of six bands on the night they completely outshone all the other wanabees not only musically, but in the sheer audacity of their performance, front man Ryan Wilson strutting his stuff in a manner reminiscent of the king and queen of stagecraft, Mick Jagger. Within seconds of his dramatic stage entrance Wilson had the audience in a frenzy as he wound up his trademark air raid siren 'Boxzilla' - the title of their forthcoming preview album - and the crowd, screaming for the first number, had to be restrained from invading the stage!

However, The High are far from style over substance, as became apparent when they struck up the ‘National Anthem of the People's Republic of Rochdale’ otherwise known as 'That's The Way I Like It' - an anthem unashamedly designed to get the crowd in the mood, not that they needed it given half the club was filled with loyal fans who had made the trip down from Rochdale and were determined to enjoy every last second.

Traditionally at these gigs the fans of the other bands in the line up stand around looking nonchalant and disinterested until 'their' band takes the stage, not in this case and the throng of perpetually dancing fans of The High were joined by many new fans who sat up and took notice as Wilson launched into a superb rendition of Sister Solo. Even the poor sound emanating from the PA, particularly the lack of a decent vocal sound, could not take away from the tightness of the band and the high-octane energy and vocal style of Wilson.

Wilson then confidently lead the band into the album preview material 'Slip' and 'High Sprit Café', this new 'Nouveau Retro' music was well received by old and new fans alike.

The set was due to finish with 'Lucky 13' but before they had chance to strike up the word came from off stage that time was up. With the crowd urging them on, and in true rock n roll style, guitarists Pete Maughn and Michael Gidley rebelled and carried on quickly followed by bass player Gaz Price and drummer Aaron, but alas the house sound man ignored the frenzied masses and risked life and limb as he pulled the plug!

Asked afterwards about having their carefully planned rock show shortened Wilson said: "that's Rock and Roll, we'll make up for it at our next gig".

Once again, The High proved good ambassadors for the 'Rochdale Rock' scene that is steadily getting established as a scene of depth and quality.

The High's Next Gig is at Jackson's Pit, Oldham, Saturday 8 October where they will have time to play a full set given the venue books only two bands per night.