Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, High Wire are aiming to step things up with their new EP, ‘Different Places’. The six-track offering showcases the quartet’s mid-tempo pop-punk in a fine light. Songs such as ‘Nothing Left to Lose’, ‘Something In The Way’ and the title track are carried with a radiant undertone. While ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’ highlights the personal, reflective tone of the EP.
Although High Wire find themselves in the swelling pool of pop-punk bands, their style takes its cues from emotive pop-rock of the 2000s and influential names from the turn of the millennium.
We recently spoke to the members of High Wire as they picked out several bands and albums that they consider influential.
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The Starting Line – Say It Like You Mean It
Cameron Jones (bass/vocals): Mark and I were in our first band in middle school together when we discovered this record and it completely changed our sound. Before we were playing heavier mainstream rock and The Starting Line opened our eyes and ears to a whole new world of alternative pop-punk music. It’s one of my favourite records that I can listen to all the way through, I love every track.
Blink-182 – The Mark, Tom and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back)
Cameron Jones (bass/vocals): Blink-182 is the band that got me into playing music, and their live album, in particular, influenced me on how to conduct our live shows. It was an awesome collection of some of my favourite blink songs mixed in with Mark and Toms hilarious banter. I probably know the live versions of this album better than the actual recording. Funny enough I never “actually” owned this CD, but borrowed it enough from my sister that it sort of became mine.
Sum 41 – All Killer No Filler
Adam Harrington (drums): The name says it all, it’s a banger full of awesome songs. Apart from the music, this band was always a crazy funny band to watch.
Yellowcard – Ocean Avenue
Chris Rymer (guitar): I had this album on repeat for weeks when this came out. It was something a little different with the incorporation of violin and I always loved their uniqueness. They have powerful melodies and harmonies which is something that resonated and influences our own sound.
Green Day
Mark Nussle (guitar/vocals): It’s hard to pick a specific album for this band. When Cameron and I first started playing music together we were essentially a Green Day cover band. ‘Brain Stew’ was one of the very first songs we played together.
Cartel – Chroma
Mark: I saw them live before I ever heard the record and I was instantly hooked. His lyrics and melodies are super interesting and he has a great voice. We’ve definitely been inspired by Will Pugh and co over the years.
The Dangerous Summer
Cameron: I really love all of their albums and don’t have a specific favourite. I’ve always loved this band lyrically and vocally. I would drive around in high school singing along to these albums and that was kind of the first time that I realized that I might be able to sing for my band.
Something Corporate – Leaving Through The Window
Mark: This is also an extension to Jack’s Mannequin but Something Corporate were a pretty big influence for us. We’ve always loved Andrew McMahon’s lyrical genius and the passion he puts into his live shows.
‘Different Places’ EP by High Wire is out now.
High Wire links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Bandcamp
