Highasakite and Dirty Old Town

Highasakite provides loops upon loops of blissful harmonies and interweaving melodies from a wide assortment of instruments. The group uses everything from steel drums to french horns. They build mesmeric patterns from acoustic guitars and autoharps and phase seamlessly in and out of chord structures.

If you are in the mood for calm reflective music then you absolutely cannot go wrong by attending one of their shows. Their stage presence is cordial and welcoming, and their music is all in-captivating. A majority of their songs are contemplative post-folk pieces and are often noninvasive; however, that is not to say that their music is for the background. Their sound is powerfully emotive and anthemic. Such songs as “Leaving No Traces” feature heavy hitting drums and grappling power chords. Their setlist offers a good dynamic of music ranging from ethereal soundscapes to more sonically raw material.

Vocalist Ingrid Helene Håvik offers an interesting counter to the band’s predominantly folk sound. While her voice fits nicely into the mix, it envelops a soul type quality that you might expect to hear in the British electronic R&B scene. Though the group has managed to stay under the radar, they are steadily growing in popularity and their talent is beginning to be recognized by such artists as Bon Iver. They have been featured on NPR’s tiny desk concerts and various music festival, but have kept a profile small enough as where you can still manage to see them in an intimate setting. And their is no experience quite like watching them play only to a handful of people.