With an arpeggiated electronic throb and a motorik Teutonic beat, the enigmatic London-based Melbourne trio HighSchool return with the explosive single ‘Colt’. Arctic, distant disembodied vocals add to the overcoat-draped gothic gloom, deliciously chilling and back in the mix with an ethereal ghostly presence. There is an added Euro-disco heartbeat, a syncopated shimmer that sends a voltage through the ears. Think of Cabaret Voltaire, Kraftwerk and Joy Division lurking at midnight in a red velvet-lined dive bar with The Chills and Hot Chocolate, complete an absinthe addiction and a thousand yard stare.
And yet, despite the dark thunderous clouds and sense of doom, the lyrics have a hint of purity and sense of innocent delight about them as singer Rory Trobbiani makes a naked and simple declaration of of love: I’m falling in love, don’t ever let me down.
The single was co-produced with Dan Carey (Fontaines DC, slowthai, Wet Leg) and mixed by Macks Faulkron, and is the first taster from their upcoming second EP.
The brilliant video accompanying the single sees Trobbiani captured in a shaky hand held camera in front of the Trevi Fountain, shirtless and preening like some vacuous local oblivious to the beauty behind him and the crowds around him: cool, louche with a cheeky insouciance as he sways for the camera. He effortlessly moves to the music in his head, cutting an enigmatic figure in his own world amongst the maelstrom.
‘Colt’ is already one of the releases of the year for me: capturing this band’s poised stylish demeanour and songwriting sang froid.
The single is out now through Dalliance Recordings and available to download and stream here and through the link below.
The band is about to commence on a UK tour – details below and tickets here.
HighSchool are Lilli Trobbiani, Luke Scott & Rory Trobbiani.
