High Places Issue #37

High Places (Thrill Jockey)

By Katerina Herodotou
Published: September 1st, 2008 | 5:12pm

High Places is a simple affair. Yes, simple, despite a table of synthesizers and pedals, the clang-clang of factory machines, the bang-bang of African percussion, and tempered by the soothing ethereal voice of singer Mary Pearson. Joined by Rob Barber, their Thrill Jockey self-titled debut is almost as good as seeing them live. The music melts together and the partners meld their creative forces. Pearson’s sugary voice, echoed through effects, glazes over the slightly psychedelic tunes, reminding you of the summer vacation of your dreams. “The Tree With Lights In It,” has a decidedly Caribbean feel even though Barber is channeling weirdo noises through a million pedals and Pearson’s voice is alternately fading in and out of what seems to be your own consciousness.

“Vision’s the First...” is a great primer to the band’s sound. It’s a jungle jangle that makes you want to dance immediately or maybe bake the best pie in the world for your mom. High Places’ best attribute is the positivity that seeps through their work; it’s yummy, and joyous, and a welcome reprieve in the world of sad indie rock. The trippy loops sometimes sound like they are under water, the electronic pulses repeating themselves in your head after you’ve turned off the record — but the technologic quality of their music doesn’t mask the raw human warmth that comes off of it. It’s a calm affair, as evidenced in “Golden,” a meandering lullaby you might have heard swimming in the womb.

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