Birthed in 2016 from a cross-section of beloved UK punk groups, London’s High Vis have steadily become legends by virtue of their passionate performances and evolving discography of poetic, progressive hardcore. Comprised of singer Graham Sayle, drummer Edward "Ski" Harper, bassist Jack Muncaster, and guitarists Martin Macnamara and Rob Hammaren, the band fuse the fury of English street punk with touches of Brit pop melody, neo-psychedelia swirl, wiry post-punk rhythm, and even bits of Madchester groove. To Sayle, such melting pot energy points the way forward: “For years hardcore had pretty clear boundaries – other scenes were separate worlds. Now things are getting more blended, drawing from different places.”
With 2022’s breakout Blending, High Vis expanded upon their self-described “post-industrial Britain misery punk” with an anthemic rock sound combined with baggy grooves. Lyrically, the album was a leap forward for High Vis as frontman Sayle took a more principle role in writing the lyrics and melodies. Sayle’s took focus on social consciousness addressing the downtrodden and discarded communities across Britain while also looking at himself and his own emotional landscape. The process created something that feels universal and ultimately relays a message of hope.
The band’s third and latest full-length, Guided Tour, refines their lyricism and chemistry to its most potent nexus yet. Full of swagger and sneers, hooks and hope, revolt and righteous anger, the album’s 10 tracks hit like anthems for a new England. And while the songs’ specifics often speak to their native country in particular, the themes addressed are universal. Theirs is a camaraderie born of sweat and experience, years in the trenches of ripping shows and shit jobs, still fighting back, still fighting for something better. High Vis are proving themselves protectors of the flame, and avatars of the best hardcore has to offer.
1. Guided Tour
2. Drop Me Out
3. Worth the Wait
4. Feeling Bless
5. Fill the Gap
6. Farringdon
7. Mob DLA
8. Untethered
9. Deserve it
10. Mind's a Lie
11. Gone Forever
