The Breakdown – High Life (2022)
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, UK-based group The Breakdown formed after some teenage friends came across each other almost 15 years after previous bands dissolved. Alright, so the phoenix took some time to rise, but the result is something beautiful, unique and outstanding. Unfortunately, the band began their music project just three weeks before the nationwide lockdown – but this didn’t stop their creativity. Instead, it pushed the quartet to work hard on writing original music with one of the singles being ‘High Life’.
Featured on Our Sound Music, FV Music Blog and various other blogs (including us!), The Breakdown has been described as innovative and inspiring. When the lead singer had no choice but to “…move back home for a period of time into his former East End tower blog…”, the concept of ‘High Life’ was born. A character-led track, the personal narrative details memories, references and occurrences from living on the block; particularly his “…mother’s expectation that he knew who any of these people living on the estate actually were.”
Produced by The Breakdown’s guitarist Andy Strevens at Chez Tobes, ‘High Life’ melds elements of post-punk and indie-rock in a hard-hitting single. While there are strong layers of post-punk, a classic rock sound can be heard, particularly with the impressive guitar solos. Interestingly enough, while the classic rock sound is evident, The Breakdowns add a contemporary alternative rock feel bringing modern edginess to old-school sounds. Moreover, the almost spoken-word vocal execution seems to make things slightly more intimate within the high-paced melody.
Following their track ‘Summer Song’, ‘High Life’ brings a more upbeat, chaotic sound to The Breakdown’s repertoire highlighting versatility and innovation as artists.
For more from The Breakdown check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
