This past Friday night, Highly Suspect returned to Brooklyn for a very special performance at The Music Hall of Williamsburg that will most definitely be remembered by fans for years to come. With the intimate concert hall buzzing with anticipation, Highly Suspect took the stage to celebrate the release of their latest LP, As Above, So Below. Known for their defiance of rock conventions and raw, unfiltered performances, the band delivered a finale to the 'Summertime Voodoo Tour' that left the audience both enthralled and invigorated. As their promotional social media posts marketed, the 'Summertime Voodoo Tour' "is a micro tour. We've never done anything like it before, we may never do it again. These are tiny rooms. This is special, but I need to make it extra clear that these shows are specifically for people that want to hear the new album from front to back in an intimate setting." If the band thought ticket sales would decrease due to the specificity of this tour, they were indeed proven wrong as the entire summer tour sold-out almost immediately. Fans at the Music Hall of Williamsburg swarmed the barricades to the back walls to the balconies above, singing every word from the 11 song tracklist as if it was an anniversary tour instead of an album release party, a testament to the band's impact on the scene.
Highly Suspect, the genre-defying rock band known for their gritty guitars and haunting piano melodies, released their highly anticipated LP, As Above, So Below, on July 19 via Roadrunner/300/Elektra. This album marks another milestone for the band, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo within the rock genre.
The new album takes listeners on a sonic journey, blending Highly Suspect's signature sound with a newfound sense of introspection and exploration. Tracks like "The 8th of October (to August 17th)," "The Blue-Eyed Devil," and "Summertime Voodoo" showcase the band's evolution, featuring off-kilter synths and thought-provoking lyricism. With As Above, So Below, Highly Suspect continues to compel both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
As Above, So Below sees the band continuing to push the boundaries of rock music while diving deep into personal and existential themes. Comprised of Johnny Stevens (vocals, guitar), Ryan Meyer (drums, vocals), Rich Meyer (bass, vocals), Matt Kofos (guitar), and Mark Schwartz (keyboards/guitars), Highly Suspect has crafted an album that is both sonically adventurous and emotionally resonant.
Summertime Voodoo
The album opens with "Summertime Voodoo," a track that sets the tone with raunchy guitars and soul-stirring melodies. Johnny Stevens' vocals are raw and powerful, capturing the essence of a summer marked by turmoil and self-discovery. The song's introspective lyrics hint at the themes of ego and rebirth that permeate the album.
Suicide Machine
"Suicide Machine" ramps up the intensity with its aggressive riffs and relentless pace. The track's dark, industrial edge underscores the desperation and nihilism in the lyrics. It's a stark exploration of the darker corners of the human psyche, making it one of the more challenging listens on the album.
The Blue-Eyed Devil
With "The Blue-Eyed Devil," Highly Suspect blends their signature rock sound with blues influences. The track features a memorable guitar solo and a haunting piano line, creating a moody and atmospheric experience. Stevens' vocals convey a sense of internal conflict and the struggle against one's darker impulses.
Mexico
"Mexico" offers a brief respite with its laid-back, almost desert rock vibe. The song's storytelling lyrics and infectious groove make it a standout, providing a moment of reflection amid the album's heavier themes.
Plastic Boxes
"Plastic Boxes" delves into themes of modern alienation and the search for authenticity in a world dominated by superficiality. The track's off-kilter synths and gritty guitars create a sense of unease, perfectly complementing the lyrics' exploration of existential angst. The song is accompanied by DIY music video directed and produced by Johnny Stevens himself, further enhancing the song's underlying message.
Melatonia
"Melatonia" is one of the album's more experimental tracks and my personal favorite off the release, featuring ethereal synths and a dreamlike quality. The song's lyrics touch on themes of escape and transcendence, offering a glimpse into a world beyond the mundane.
The Reset
"The Reset" brings the album back it its rock roots with a powerful, anthemic chorus and driving rhythm. The lyrics speak to the need for a fresh start and the desire to break free from past mistakes, a recurring theme throughout As Above, So Below.
Run For Your Death (More Pills)
This track is a frenetic, high-energy ride that explores themes of addiction and self-destruction. It is another one of my favorites off As Above, So Below and one I can relate to on a deeply personal level; sometimes we just need to scream on the top of our lungs to feel better about a horrible day and this is the perfect track to let it all out to. The urgent vocals and relentless instrumentation create a sense of chaos and urgency, reflecting the tumultuous nature of the subject matter.
Champagne At Our Funeral
"Champagne At Our Funeral" juxtaposes celebratory imagery with themes of mortality and loss. The track's melancholic melody and introspective lyrics create a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The 8th Of October (To August 17th)
One of the album's most personal tracks, "The 8th Of October (To August 17th)" delves into Stevens' own experiences and struggles. The song's confessional lyrics and emotive delivery make it a standout, offering a raw and honest look at the artist's inner world.
Then, Mickey 2
The album closes with "Then, Mickey 2," a track that encapsulates the themes of rebirth and transformation that run throughout As Above, So Below. The song's hopeful, cinematic quality provides a fitting conclusion, suggesting that even in the face of darkness, there is always a possibility of a new beginning.
With As Above, So Below, Highly Suspect has delivered an album that challenges the listener both sonically and intellectually. It is a testament to their growth as artists, dabbling into a more blues-rock sound, and their unwavering commitment to authenticity, blending nodes of Bad Company, Eric Gales, Kings X, In Living Color, and Deep Purple together to create something fresh in the modern-day music realm. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band's music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression. Having the opportunity to experience As Above, So Below played live front to back was truly incredible and sincerely unforgettable, it quickly became the best live performance I have seen so far this year.
Steven's raw, emotive vocals carried the weight of the album's introspective themes, and his candid introduction to "Summertime Voodoo" resonated deeply with the crowd. He shared, "If my life is a book, then this album is the first chapter that truly addresses the central conflict. The recognition of an ego, the problems it causes - and the birth of its death."
The band played the album in its entirety, taking the audience on a sonic journey through tracks like "Suicide Machine," "The Blue-Eyed Devil," and "Plastic Boxes." Each song was met with enthusiastic applause and deafening sing-alongs, particularly during the emotionally charged "Run For Your Death (More Pills)," where Stevens' turned the microphone to the crowd to sing the final refrain before screaming along with them. The band's chemistry was undeniable, with each member seamlessly contributing to the dynamic soundscape that defines As Above, So Below.
One of the standout moments of the night was the performance of "Melatonia," where Stevens' vocals soared over Schwartz's haunting piano melodies, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The crowd was visibly moved, swaying in unison and hanging onto every note.
Highly Suspect's ability to blend gritty rock with introspective lyricism was on full display during "Champagne At Our Funeral." The energy in the room was electric, with the audience feeding off the band's intensity despite being far along in the set and nearly at the end of a very special night. Stevens' heartfelt delivery and the band's tight instrumentation made for a truly immersive experience.
The album release party at Music Hall of Williamsburg was a triumphant celebration of As Above, So Below, showcasing Highly Suspect's evolution as a band while staying true to their roots. Their fearless approach to rock music and unwavering dedication to their craft were evident throughout the night, solidifying their status as one of the most compelling acts in the genre. This performance was not only memorable for the fans in attendance, but the band members too, who spent their years coming up living in New York City, giving their all to making it as musicians. Stevens' mentioned his time bartending in Manhattan between songs, a 10 year run as he tried to pursue his dreams. Now, he's staring at the bar in the back of the room with a packed house singing every lyric he's written at the top of their lungs. The oversold concert hall was confirmation Highly Suspect has made it. Not every band can sell out New York City, let alone for an album release party, but Highly Suspect exceeded every expectation. It might've taken 10 years, but Highly Suspect has conquered the city that never sleeps.
For those who missed this unforgettable performance, Highly Suspect's upcoming Fall tour promises more opportunities to experience their exceptional talent and the introspective depth of As Above, So Below. This album is a must-listen, and their shows are not to be missed.
Comments