As teased earlier this week when High Vis dropped their new single, their third album Guided Tour has arrived, blending hardcore roots with indie, shoegaze, and post-punk.
Graham Sayle, frontman of this London five-piece, lays bare his experiences and turmoil in a refreshingly raw way, as we’ve come to expect from him. This time around, the band’s sound takes on more layers, moving beyond their earlier releases, No Sense No Feeling and Blending, to something broader, bolder, and more experimental.
The band — made up of drummer Edward “Ski” Harper, bassist Jack Muncaster, and guitarists Martin Macnamara and Rob Hammaren — put themselves in uncomfortable positions, both creatively and personally, to grow. “Nothing good comes from comfort,” Sayle notes for an interview with Rolling Stone, describing how the chaos of their lives, from quitting day jobs to dealing with personal upheaval, seeps into the music. There’s no clean narrative here; instead, Sayle is candid about the messiness of life, “You’re never just one thing.”
Tracks like Mind’s A Lie, featuring South London singer and DJ Ell Murphy, break new ground. It’s an adventurous blend of kick drums, synth bass, and Sayle’s fierce growl, pushing the band’s sonic boundaries. “No one has rejected it as being too weird,” Sayle admits, proud of the experimentation that gives this album its unique character. This track might just be the record’s most daring moment, with its dance-punk energy and razor-sharp edge.
The album isn’t just about pushing musical boundaries; lyrically, it cuts deep. From the anger and tension that comes with life changes, like Sayle’s own recent breakup and new marriage, to the societal critiques woven into songs like Mob DLA, High Vis challenge the listener to reflect. Trauma Bonds from Blending remains a fan favorite, but this new collection takes that emotional vulnerability and amplifies it.
High Vis have built a name for themselves by offering more than just music. Their event, Society Exists, held in Gillett Square, East London, was a genre-defying, all-ages, cross-cultural gathering. Hardcore kids moshed alongside fans of trip-hop, rap, and jungle. This ethos of inclusivity and sonic diversity bleeds into the album itself, making Guided Tour feel like a statement piece for a fractured society — messy, loud, but ultimately hopeful.
Tracks like Drop Me Out hit with fierce punk energy, while songs like Deserve It balance the aggressive with a more melodic, reflective side. And even though Sayle and the band have quit their day jobs, the DIY spirit of their hardcore roots is still very much alive. “It’s an escape,” Sayle says of the album. But it’s not a total retreat from reality. Instead, it’s a guided tour through the complexities of life, societal pressure, and personal struggle.
The closing track, Gone Forever, hammers this home, wrapping up the album with a sense of finality yet leaving the listener wanting more.
High Vis are sticking to their guns, and Guided Tour proves they’re not backing down from the challenges that come with growing success.
Flatspot Records is dropping a special cassette version of Guided Tour.
As our tour with SHOW ME THE BODY is wrapping up, we’re stoked to announce that ZULU has been added to select shows, and $20 tickets are available for all dates! Plus, we’re buzzing about our newly added headline show in Oklahoma City. Guided Tour Europe and UK 2024/2025 dates are live, and tickets are already moving fast. Secure yours now!
