IFLTS: 'Head Spins,' High Places

'Head Spins,' High Places

Brooklyn rockers High Places are a one-two of superficial and substantial intrigue. They play music that is seemingly simple and catchy, but when actively listening, one can tell that the duo masterfully combine electronics and strange percussive instruments (like sticks and bells with world music beats) for thoughtful and unique outcomes.

Their tune 'Head Spins' relies heavily on the airy and echo-y vocals of singer Mary Pearson. The song is short and percussive. Under the many layers of slight sounds emitting from sticks and rattles is an interesting, lightly tapped keyboard part. It seems there's not much there. But Listen harder.While performing, Pearson dances lightly around the stage, moving from one side of her partner, Robert Barber, to the other, while he is hunched over a keyboard and various electronic "instruments." When I saw them perform a few months ago, I was taken aback by the multiple dualities of the band. They look and sound cute, but the effect is monstrous.

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