In some circles, High Vis are classed as a hardcore band. However, throughout two albums, they’ve honed in on a sound that carries itself with a punk ethos, partly due to their socio-political commentary and partly their refusal to be pinned down. Album number three, ‘Guided Tour’, solidifies their sound, merging together elements of post-punk, Britpop, and shoegaze with the occasional glistening “Madchester” groove.

‘Guided Tour’s opening title track shimmers with jangly guitars as a neo-psychedelic swirl wraps around. While Graham Sayle’s North Western vocals offer a hint of optimism. It’s a breezy, blissful beginning that doesn’t quite give the album the kickstart it needs. Thankfully, ‘Drop Me Out’ soon arrives with a wall of feedback and distortion, injecting their punk spirit alongside some favourable revving Britpop guitar melodies. ‘Feeling Bless’ bottles that Britpop sound, pairing it with a simple but effective hook, serving as one of the album’s standout moments.

The use of washed-out guitars does, at times, become tiresome. For example, ‘Untethered’, drifts along with airy guitars and a sturdy bass line as Sayle barks through the melodic cloud produced by his bandmates. It’s countered by energetic moments such as ‘Fill The Gap’ and ‘Mob DLA’. The former drives forward with melancholy melody and Edward “Ski” Harper’s hardened, earthly drums. Whereas ‘Mob DLA’ brings Sayle’s angst to the forefront, taking at public service cuts and the mental health effects on the communities who suffer from them. He’s complemented by drawn-out, swirling, and grungy guitars.

‘Mind’s A Lie’ arrives as somewhat of a left turn with its house tempo, chopped vocal sample (from South London vocalist and DJ Ell Murphy) and ringing dream-pop guitars. It’s a jarring but interesting track, yet Graham’s shouts about class, isolation and loneliness, bring cohesiveness to the rest of ‘Guided Tour’.

‘Gone Forever’ provides one final diatribe as Sayle bites at those being  “villainised and despised” while living in a world of uncertainty. Ultimately aiming at those who live a privileged life, it’s aided by Jack Muncaster’s rumbling bass, and Martin Macnamara and Rob Hammaren’s mix of ethereal and sharp guitars.

Although ‘Guided Tour’ has a number of strong moments, it does lack a lasting impression. While undoubtedly Graham Sayle leads High Vis’ thought-provoking lyrical charge, he’s backed by a dynamic sound that perhaps too often looks to the past.

‘Guided Tour’ by High Vis is available now on Dias Records.