The High Violets were mere kiddies when bands like
My Bloody Valentine and
Ride were popular, chiefing the rise of shoegaze and dream pop within pockets of the U.K. and the U.S. Alas, the members of the High Violets found themselves making it their own nearly a decade after it tapered off.
44 Down relishes in climatic guitar work, spooling chaotic instrumentation inside a warm vocal soundscape.
Kaitlyn Ni Donovan's icy cool vocals are classic, hauntingly similar to the beauty of
Harriet Wheeler. The gossamer delight of "Sparkle" marks
Ni Donovan's brightest moment. The simplicity of her voice allows the song itself to soar. The backing section of
Clint Sargent (vocals/guitar),
Allen Davis (bass), and
Luke Strahota (drums) is exquisitely complimentary as well. "Fa" flows with grand electronic orchestration while "Wheel" churns to silvery percussion.
44 Down isn't exactly fresh, but it's solid.
The High Violets essentially honor those who did it first while singing to their own tune. And they're equally enchanting in doing so.