High On Stress has always been known for their well written songs. Their third album, Living is a Dying Art, is no exception. Officially released this Friday at the Amsterdam Bar in St Paul, eager fans can get a sneak preview with the new albums being available at The Fine Line tonight (Monday, November 14) as they open for Tommy Stinson, backed by fellow members of Guns and Roses.
From the first powerful chords of “Bite Your Tongue” to the quiet closer “All Along the Water Tower,” Living is a Dying Art keeps its listener engaged through subtle change-ups that keep the album interesting.
High On Stress has been a Twin Cities rock band for a number of years. Through that time, they have had the opportunity to be influenced by bands like The Replacements, The Hold Steady, and others.
“Figure Eights” is a toe tapper in the style of The Hold Steady. It draws the listener in with syncopated strumming, a strong lead guitar and a chorus that is easily hummable, “down on my luck, down on my luck, I know what you’re all about.”
The High On Stress quartet produces a well blended sound of rock in “These Days are Gone.” Fronting the sound is Nick Leet’s clear vocals, giving us a reason why High On Stress has been praised for their songwriting. With lines like “All your regrets become secrets” and “this still can’t be yesterday, just thank God that it worked out this way,” the song will make most people nod in agreement when remembering their own pasts.
There are other bands that produce as tight of a sound as High On Stress. However, lyrics are harder and that is what makes High On Stress more critically recognized than some of their contemporaries. I can’t think of a much better slam than that of the song “Coattail Riding.” “You’re just another never really been, try not to get so down about it, cause every time it ends the same.”
Mostly a rock album with a few quieter songs like “All Along the Water Tower” and “Head,” Living is a Dying Art fills the listener with enough variety to not overpower the senses. If you are a fan of rock mixed with a little alt-country, a little punk, and just a tinge of folk-style songwriting, give this third album from High On Stress a listen.
With a week full of activity and a new album that is booming with great sound and lyrics, High On Stress are very much alive in their art. Catch them at the official album release party this Friday, November 18 at Amsterdam Bar and Hall, 6 W 6th Street, St Paul, with Little Man and Rockford Mules. 9pm, $7.
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