Described as “flowing, edgy, hypnotic and very contagious” The High Violets have tapped the vein of Lush, the Sundays and the Cocteau Twins while defining their own sound. Layered guitars, textured arrangements and ethereal vocals combine to create a skilled and respectful blend of dreampop and shoegazing sensibilities.
The band formed from the ashes of legendary Portland favorite, the Bella Low, who played regular gigs with other local psych bands like The Dandy Warhols, Swoon 23, Rick Bain & the Genius Position, Heatmiser and Sugarboom. After the Bella Low breakup former members Clint Sargent, Luke Strahota and Violet Bianca Grace picked up the pieces from the band’s crash and formed The High Violets in 1998. The early line up was short lived as Grace left after a few gigs. Sargent and Strahota then joined forces with Allen Davis of Echoplex. Soon after Sargent recruited one of Portland’s most amazing voices, Kaitlyn ni Donovan, to complete the lineup that self-released their EP Dream Away (1999).
The band’s debut album 44 Down (2002) received critical acclaim as a standout in resurgence of the shoegaze sound. After its release Under the Radar and Magnet magazines singled out the band and album with full page articles noting its influence. The High Violets’ acclaimed album To Where You Are was released in 2006. Press releases proclaimed Sargent’s layered guitars the standout feature and ni Donovan’s water color vocals the crowning jewel on the LP’s shimmering sounds.
Satellite Remixes followed in 2007, including interpretations by electro-shoegazer Ulrich Schnauss, two-time Grammy nominee Carmen Rizzo, and other artists from around the globe. Their fourth album, Cinéma, includes the song Goodnight Goodbye, featured in the You Me Her soundtrack. Heroes and Halos, listed on Pop Matters Top 10 Shoegaze and Dreampop Albums, was released in 2016 by Saint Marie Records.
The High Violets released their sixth album, B-Sides & Rarities, September 15, 2021. Eight songs on the album highlight the musical trajectory from their 1998 beginnings as a youthful, blissed out starry eyed shoegaze band to an impeccably produced addition of dreampop. Side 1 showcases the earliest recordings beginning with the recently unearthed, never released Up Towards, a charmingly lo-fi but nevertheless shimmering recording capturing the young energy of the band and their trademark sonic psychedelia. A demo version of Chinese Letter, later released on To Where You Are, follows. Former band mate and bassist, Allen Davis (Every Move a Picture, Starry Saints), features heavily in the music and production of side 1 songs. Side 2 begins with the opening strums of an early production of Invitation, mixed by Jeff Stuart Saltzman (Stephen Malkmus, Menomena). The final mix can be heard on To Where You Are. The band plays tribute to shoegaze pioneers Slowdive with a made-in-heaven gift for gazers – a cover of Altogether, produced by Jonathan Drews (Sunset Valley, Eyelids). It is a fitting end to this brief but luminous journey through time to the present. As the lyrics express: “and now it seems it’s just a dream.”
The High Violets have performed at South by Southwest, Musicfest NW, North by Northeast, PDX Pop Now! and NoisePop. Among numerous other media placements their music has been featured on Fraternity Life and Sorority Life (MTV), Life Unexpected (CW), You Me Her (DirecTV) and in the documentary film “The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez”
Kind Words:
BIG TAKEOVER: “Contains all the hallmarks of great shoegaze”
ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE: “The High Violets – Shimmering, starry-eyed ethereality.”
NORTHWEST MUSIC: “Close your eyes and drift into a soft rainbow of deeply layered dreamy guitar riffs and alluring melodies”
MAGNET MAGAZINE: “Kaitlyn ni Donovan has a voice that would melt the Jesus and Mary Chain’s heart”
The High Violets are:
Vocalist and guitarist, Kaitlyn ni Donovan, provides gossamer-winged, haunted melodies and unabashedly in love imbibed lyrics. Her rhythm guitar plays backup to Clint Sargent’s dramatic, psychedelic and transportive guitar solos. His swirling, affect-laden guitar style is a beloved feature of every song. Sargent also offers lead vocal harmony support with his breathy low tenor. A grounded but exuberant rhythm section, featuring Colin Sheridan on bass, keeps the duo from floating into the stratosphere. Energetic, emotive drummer, Luke Strahota, propels the songs, with grooves that flow like silk scarves billowing in the wind.
