Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

PRTLND – High (2022)

With his third original track of the year ‘High’, PRTLND hits us with an upbeat and happy vibe, with a touch of retro tones. Packed with lyrics that can be interpreted by each listener, he takes us on a psychedelic trip into our consciousness, without any additional aids. As he explores the mind, he brings a burst of stunning guitars that are infused with a clear 90s vibe.

Following on from the success of his last two releases, this single will easily transport you into another realm. Coming from the brain of guitarist, producer and mixing engineer, Mathieu Cote, the music of this passion project covers hopes, inspiration and universal topics. While he played in bands in the late 90s, his musical career was put on hold until now.



‘High’ has you soaring above the clouds from the first guitar note. There is a really relaxed vibe to the guitar-driven opening that has you floating in gentle sunlight. This line drops for a softer flow as the vocals make their way into the soundscape. As you head toward the chorus, the guitars pick up again, taking you soaring up into the stratosphere. It is a really great melody that has you gliding on warm air currents without a care in the world. The freedom that has been infused into each note fills a bubble in your chest with bright energy. While there is a light touch of psychedelia to the underlying tones, the overall movement of the melody is pure slacker rock. The easy-listening vibes are a pleasure to listen to as you let go of your worries and fly where the music leads you.

It is not only the guitar-driven melody that takes you far away from the worries of daily life. PRTLND’s vocals are a gentle wind that catches beneath you to take you higher. Through the lyrics, he takes you on a trip through your consciousness that has you flying into another realm of existence. While there is a feeling that this could have happened with psychotropic help, the gentleness of the vibe draws you in without any aids. It is a really great journey into your consciousness that is soothed by the gentleness of the single. You can’t help but feel relaxed as you allow the colours of the vocals to paint a stunning picture of easy vibes in your brain.

PRTLND has us gliding on air currents warmed by easy guitar lines and softened by relaxed vocals in the relaxing trip of ‘High’. While the lyrics are up for interpretation, the rather peaceful journey you are taken on will relax your soul. Both the vocals and music pick you up and have you soaring high above the clouds.

Find out more about PRTLND on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.