High Places began as an experiment in collaboration, based on a DIY compositional style and a love of layers. The title of High Places vs. Mankind accurately suggests the album will take a slightly altered course from the “goodness as growth reflected in nature” motif of the band’s debut. A digital single released on Halloween entitled “I Was Born” demonstrated Rob and Mary using more standard instrumentation including guitars sounding like guitars, and the bassoon upon which Mary was classically trained. Her vocals are less effected and more present, but many aspects of the High Places sound and aesthetic remain intact. One hears dance rhythms, stereo effects, accessible melodies, dub influence, and as always, a love of layering and of combining the unexpected into something cohesive and new.
