London duo high jump recently released their evocative new single ‘Santos’ via Tip Top Recordings, coming just ahead of their anticipated debut EP ‘001’ (June 7th).
The brainchild of Harry Martin and Rick Holland, high jump have started to build a reputation for their atmospheric and musically rich soundscapes ‘Santos’ is built around undulating beats, shimmering synth textures, and evocative and wistful melodies, it has a lucid quality: blurring the lines between dream pop and indietronica, echoing elements of the likes of M83 and Tame Impala. It’s the soundtrack to the sun setting on the bay and trying to put your troubles behind you for the evening.
Mixed between both the band themselves and Max Cooke (GoodBooks, Ellie Goulding), the upcoming EP offers a full look at the pair’s remarkably complete and instantly recognisable sound.
Speaking about the single, the duo explain: “For a long time Santos was an instrumental beat that Harry had made in 2020. It was an arbitrary name taken from an old Pelé football shirt that got a lot of wear during that time, but it stuck, as did the heady, swinging drum machine rhythm that props up the groove for the entire song.”
“Santos retained that ‘beat’ essence even once vocal layers were added; it still teases, rises and falls like a good standalone instrumental should. The chugging Juno-60 bassline and swirling guitar interplay took the tune a step away from the dancefloor, towards smoking area pep talks, hands-in-pockets, romantic nostalgia – firmly high jump territory.”
Lyrically, familiar themes of confidence and consolation are explored again, with the defiant mantra of the chorus gently resisting the introspection of the verses. Ultimately it’s sticking two fingers up to that momentary lapse in poise.”
Having spent a period of writing, recording and collaborating, high jump have quickly established themselves as one to watch with a series of releases through 2023. Following widespread press, radio and DSP playlist support, high jump’s debut EP is due for release this summer.
