If Patti Smith fronted Ace of Cups and they recorded with Dangermouse at Dap-Tone Studios with a picture of George Martin on the control room wall, they might be lucky enough to capture a sound as raw and alive and sincere as this next-gen indie soul sensation High Up. The music is evocative, with a tangible focus on the groove (a lot of waltz and shuffle feels, especially for a contemporary group) plus the signature overdriven organ (Pigpen, eat your heart out). In the forefront are Christine Fink’s searing vocals, lending refined expression to her sister Orinda’s lyrical explorations of the heart — literate and honest, with a no-bullshit attitude — drawing crucial support from brother Todd (of The Faint) with a little help from their friends Josh Soto and Matt Focht (of Bright Eyes). Together they churn out an astonishing blend of chitlin circuit, protest anthem, and college house show all in one singular presentation; and each composition beams tender slivers of resolute awareness and rains gentle tears of compassion in this humble acknowledgement: since time immemorial we as a human race have endured hard times, but what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger, and we shall overcome.
