By: Staff
We listened to the latest release, the EP "Playing Pretend", from Highlands, and wow, what an experience.
We started with the track "Driving Home Now". The gentle opening rhythm is swiftly accompanied by the voice of Samuel Robert Gifford, his soft, breathy delivery exuding a sense of joy and warmth. His vocals perfectly capture the beauty found in life’s simplest yet most profound treasures, love and deep emotional connection.
With a nostalgic and deeply relatable essence, the lyrics resonate:
"Play me your favorite songs / tell me the memories."
What a powerful sentiment. This line encapsulates not only love but also the friendship and shared history that make a relationship so rich. It is a moment-defining lyric, one that sets a poignant tone for the listener.
The instrumentation is exhilarating yet measured, striking a balance between energy and restraint. A beautifully executed drum fill ushers in the duet, and the result is nothing short of magical. The interplay between Gabrielle O’Brien and Samuel Robert Gifford is flawless, their voices intertwine effortlessly. Gabrielle’s soaring vocal expression mirrors Samuel’s heartfelt delivery, creating a stunning musical dialogue.
This song is masterfully crafted and beautifully performed.
Next up is “Catch My Death,” with Gabrielle taking the lead. Her delivery is raw, emotive, and deeply authentic, immediately drawing in the listener. There is an undeniable intimacy in her voice, making it impossible not to surrender to the song’s evocative storytelling. Her performance feels like a delicate autumn breeze, light and ethereal, yet powerful in its ability to stir emotions.
The strategic use of pauses and starts throughout the song adds a compelling dramatic effect, keeping the listener engaged at every turn. As the track progresses, the gradual layering of harmonies builds into a breathtaking crescendo, almost spiritual in nature. Just past the halfway mark, a long moment of silence creates palpable tension, leaving the listener teetering on the edge of anticipation. Then, with only the faintest drum taps breaking the stillness, the song erupts into a climactic, emotionally charged finale, an overwhelming yet beautifully chaotic release. This is a song that does not just play, it stays with you.
The final track, “Lisbon,” opens with shimmering strings that feel both twinkling and chime-like, filling the air with an undeniable sense of lightness and joy. Samuel Robert Gifford’s vocal range, effortlessly shifting from falsetto to rich, resonant tones, is utterly captivating and brimming with sincerity.
There is an extraordinary sense of cohesion and authenticity between Gabrielle and Samuel. Their musical connection is so tangible that when you hear one, you yearn for the other, when they harmonize, the result is profoundly satisfying.
This EP is not just a collection of songs, it is an experience. Each track stands on its own, yet together, they form a beautifully woven tapestry of emotion, artistry, and masterful musicianship. Regardless of the track, "Playing Pretend" is nothing short of exceptional.
Highlands is the creative partnership of Samuel Robert Gifford and Gabrielle O’Brien, a duo whose chemistry in music conveys into an undeniable artistic synergy. With a shared love for storytelling and melody, their collaboration emerged organically, blending their distinct voices and songwriting perspectives into something deeply evocative. Their music thrives on contrast, delicate yet powerful, intimate yet expansive, creating a sonic space where vulnerability meets euphoria.
Their journey began with spontaneous songwriting sessions, where raw ideas blossomed into fully realized compositions. Both artists bring unique strengths to the table, Samuel’s rich, textured vocal delivery complements Gabrielle’s ethereal, expressive tone, forming harmonies that feel both effortless and intentional. The duo draws inspiration from personal experiences, transforming fleeting moments into lyrics that linger long after the song ends.
Despite the challenges of creating from a distance, their artistic vision remained unwavering. They crafted songs in the quiet corners of everyday life, scribbling lyrics in notebooks, exchanging voice memos, and weaving their emotions into melodies. Their ability to channel real-life experiences into poetic and cinematic soundscapes makes their music feel deeply personal yet universally resonant.
As they continue to evolve, Highlands remains committed to exploring new sonic landscapes while staying true to the heartfelt essence that defines their sound. Their music is more than just an expression, it is an invitation into their world, a place where nostalgia, passion, and artistry intertwine.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share "Playing Pretend" by Highlands.
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