Portsmouth born High Down arrived on the music scene last year, and are quickly amassing new fans and gathering firm momentum with their highly contagious brand of hard-hitting pop punk. Reminiscent of blink-182, State Champs and New Found Glory, High Down deliver knock-out hooks, jack hammer riffs and anthemic choruses that pound your senses into submission. The band unveil their explosive new EP, Moving On, on Friday 1st September, through all platforms.
Comprised of Luke Smithson (Vocals), Darrell Ellis (Guitar/Vocals), Joe Soar (Guitar), and James Grinter (Drums), High Down were brought together by a mutual adoration for iconic pop punk, pizza and cold beer. With bass player Tim Hoolahan recently leaving the band, the quartet despatch a cut-throat and captivating edge to the pop-punk genre and have wasted no time in etching their mark. The band exploded onto the scene with their debut single, Family & Fiends, recorded with the legendary producer Matt O’Grady (You Me At Six/Deaf Havana). They backed the single with festival appearances at Seasick Fest, Butserfest, Teddy Rocks Festival and Fat Lip Fest, as well as shows with the likes of WSTR, ROAM, and Like Pacific.
Now the tuneful South-coast crew reveal their new EP, Moving On. This release is guaranteed to launch the band to a national level, featuring five killer cuts which bond together modern pop punk with the five-some’s admiration for metalcore and pop rock. Their forthcoming single, Life Lessons, is indicative of the band; it’s a perfect slice of punk pop, laden with a throbbing rhythmic drive and a hooky chorus that is destined for the airwaves. With UK and EU tour dates in the works to support the EP, catch High Down before their infectious sound spreads out of control.
Check out a previous song from the band below!
We managed to catch up with the guys as they talk about the EP and more!
How pumped are you for the release of ‘Moving On’?
It’s been a bit up and down recently behind the scenes of High Down, however we are so stoked to release the EP and get back on it again. We are very proud of what we’ve created and can’t wait to share it with you all.
Can you tell us anything about the release no one knows?
We are set to release the first single, alongside a music video sooner than you may think. Keep an eye out early August…
What is your favourite song from the release?
We all have our own favourites and the tend to be for very different reasons. If we had to decide as a band it would have to be the lead single ‘Life Lessons’. It’s the sound we would say represents High Down most.
With the pop-punk scene growing by the day, what do you think makes your band stand out?
We believe with the mixed background of genres, each of our individuality brings a new element to the band creating something different that doesn’t sound like any other band. Of course, there will always be similarities in pop punk however each of songs have a different sound and bring something new to the table.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
I think we would love to work with one of the rising bands in the pop punk scene such as Neck Deep or State Champs. They are the closest style we see ourselves to and we could crack out some banging tunes with those lads.
So, the EP is a self-release, do you find to have a lot of freedom when writing?
100%. Al the writing is purely from us and we decide what stays and what goes.
How excited are you for Fat Lip Festival?
We are stoked. First time back on stage in a while. It’s gonna be a laugh, make sure you get down.
You recently played Teddy Rocks Festival, do you find it different playing festivals rather than live venues?
Yes and no. Playing festivals has it’s pros and cons. Sometimes you’ll get some big crowds and great responses but then there are things like weather which can completely ruin an outdoor festival. Either way, we’re always going to be putting on our best performance.
Have you found a replacement yet for a bass player?
Currently, we are not getting in a permanent bass member. However, we have someone who is filling in temporarily.