High Vis

High Vis is a London-based rock band known for their charismatic presence on the city's DIY scene. The band, with a core group of seasoned musicians, has developed a "cultish reputation" that is celebrated by UK tastemakers such as NME. The band comprises drummer Edward "Ski" Harper, frontman Graham Sayle, and bassist Rob Moss. Their music, though heavily influenced by their roots in underground DIY and heavy hardcore music, features a blending of various genres, from Britpop to post-punk, creating a unique sound that sets them apart.

Ski, also the technical mastermind and chief composer of the band, was introduced to the underground DIY music scene through UK garage, an electronic offshoot of jungle music that was popular in UK clubs in the '90s. The band's second full-length album, "Blending," is an embodiment of this diverse musical experience. The term 'blending,' apart from being Liverpool slang for looking good, reflects the band's synergy of different cultures and musical scenes.

Graham Sayle, hailing from Liverpool, the heart of the UK's music scene, uses his artistic prowess to challenge class issues and social expectations through the band's music. Sayle's work in High Vis is shaped and defined by his experiences growing up in a region affected by rampant unemployment and austerity.

High Vis's album "Blending" is a shift from their debut record "No Sense No Feeling," which was described by Sayle as "post-industrial Britain misery punk." With "Blending," the band aims to offer a broader commentary on the human experience rather than the hyper-specific commentary of one man, shifting towards acceptance and open conversation. Despite their sonic evolution, the band's rhythm section still contains the raw intensity of their hardcore roots.

High Vis has established a home at Holy Mountain Studios, a place where they've been recording their music since their inception. The studio, managed by Misha Hering and later Stan Gravett after Misha moved back to Switzerland, provided the band with the steady guidance and support they needed. The band recorded their latest album "Blending" under the supervision of producer Jonah Falco, drummer of Canadian hardcore act F****d Up, who provided an extra set of ears to help refine their sound.

The band's name, High Vis (short for high visibility vests), is a nod to the working class background of its members and an exploration of how dress and appearance can shape human interaction. This thematic interest extends to their music, as they delve into themes of visibility, invisibility, and societal status. Despite the financial challenges of being middle-aged, working-class musicians in London, High Vis has managed to carve out a niche and build momentum with their distinct sound and deep connection with listeners. Their second album, "Blending," is available everywhere via Dais Records.