The Orange Spotlight

High Places High Places Vs. Mankind (Thrill Jockey, April 6th)

I had been impressed with the inventiveness and creativity of High Places long before I saw them perform live at Pitchfork music festival two years ago. Yet, seeing them live standing in front of this lengthy table of homemade instruments and electronics turned me into a lifelong follower. It was the organic sound of the bells tied the wrist of Mary Pearson mixed with electronic drumming and mixing of Rob Barber, mixed shells and baselines, and all of the other sounds and pieces. Mary's voice was fragile, innocent, a little unsure of itself floating in and out of the mix almost wishing it was not there. High Places was endearing and fresh, this was the summer of 2008 and they had just released their collection of singles and eps called 03/07-09/07 on Thrill Jockey Records.

Flash forward to present day, a self-titled full-length album behind them, endless touring behind them, a duo now four years in reemerges. Thrill Jockey is releasing the duo third album, High Places vs. Mankind, on April 6th. This album is clearly the bands most complete effort to date. There are tracks like "The Most Beautiful Name" that reflect back on the earlier work, but then their are new and exciting sound rock/stadium sound of "When It Comes" or the danceable faux club sound of the lead single "On Giving Up" that really make this album a classic. Not only has the duos musical presentation matured but the presence and forcefulness of Pearson's vocals has also arrived. This album really has everything include an organic and atmosphere romp through nature ("The Cannon") and a beautifully gentle folkish tune ("She's a Wild Horse"). High Places vs. Mankind does not disappoint at any point.

Tracklisting:
The Longest Shadow
On Giving Up (mp3)
She's A Wild Horse
The Channon
Canada
Constant Winter
On A Hill In A Bed On A Road In A House
Drift Slayer
The Most Beautiful Name
When It Comes

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