Highlight Reel
New EP: Highlight Reel 
(self-titled)
Release: August 9th, 2019

 

 
Hailing from Michigan, an alt-rock / pop punk outfit Highlight Reel are just about to release their new EP. The band released their last EP ‘So this is Goodbye’ in May 2017 which was followed by the full album ‘Truth Seeker’ in October last year. These previous releases brought us a refreshing pop punk sound with a progressive flavour. The band are not strangers to DIY. Their forthcoming self-titled EP is all crafted from tracking, mixing, mastering to producing and doing everything else for the release to date by themselves. Here is my track-by-track review.

They open with ‘If You Told Me’. This fast paced song starts with a punchy intro which grabs you and ensures that you stay glued until the end. You hear some appealing riffs, it’s foot-tapping, and it leads you on nicely to the second track.

The second track ‘The Blues’ is the band’s first single from this EP. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the song title, but you know what it’s about when you hear the lyrics. It’s a biggest song of the EP.

The third track is ‘Sing To Me’ and it is their second single taken from this EP. It’s sentimental and moving, although I feel that the vocal sounds a little unsure. However, when high notes are hit, they shine. Later on, you hear the captivating guitar solo.

Next piece ‘The Highlight Reel’ is an instrumental track. The track combines both slower and faster paces, and the band show a progressive side of their music. The slight funky sound is very enjoyable.

The fifth and the last track is ‘Meet Again’, which is characterised by the band’s signature pop punk vibe. Again, you hear some tasty riffs which really are a pleasure to listen to. The vocal combination is very nice too and is a well written song with which to close the EP.

I do feel there is room for them to improve. Though coming from a young band, this EP is a delightful package especially for the listeners who are of a similar age (or younger) to the band. I look forward to hearing more from Highlight Reel in the future.

Track Listing:
1. If You Told Me
2. The Blues
3. Sing To Me
4. The Highlight Reel
5. Meet Again

For Fans of: Jimmy Eat World, Coheed and Cambria, Modest Mouse

 

 

Highlight Reel are:
Dominic Mosher- Guitar
Karl Heinonen- Drums
Mark Heinonen- Bass
Steven Klier- Guitar/Vocals

 

Next Live Event:
August 10th  Mac’s Bar – Lansing, Michigan

 

Useful Links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/highlightreelmi/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/highlightreelmi/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZMGvUXHCAZf7nDtR0QeqX?si=a31nOXBBS6yA6onaUqvoUQ
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAUghUSpN5-MUPExVg_Buvw