The High Dials emerged out of the Montreal scene in 2003. Locals of long memory may remember singer-songwriter Trevor Anderson as founder of sharp-suited rock n roll trio The Datsons, later Datson Four. A name conflict with an Aussie band, new members and an overall identity crisis led to a changed moniker and sound. An old-fashioned demo tape got them a deal with Rainbow Quartz Records, an indie label based in NYC. In those early days, the boys had a strong mod bent and their first record, "A New Devotion" was a blast of jangling guitars, three-part harmonies and frantic RnB grooves. It also had a storyline; something to do with a young man trapped in a domed city full of spies and mechanical birds. Only Trevor knows for sure. The draft for the comic book insert lies unfinished in his bedroom somewhere. In the domed world of this story, feelings of loss and urban anxiety are relieved by sudden revelations brought by messengers from other worlds. It's a hymn to lost childhood. It's also a party record piled high with danceable Beatlesque rave-ups. The album got the band on the road and they made it all the way to California and England, with many, many pit stops in rural garages along the way. They even got to play on and break the rotating stage at Little Steven's Underground Garage Festival and hobknob with some of their 60s heroes, like the Creation and Iggy Pop!
Their second album, "War of the Wakening Phantoms" (2005) was a surprise for many. Gone were the overt nods to the 60s, with a far dreamier, lusher sound backing up songs about that endless source of pop inspiration: the soaring highs of love and the crushing lows of heartbreak. Featuring acoustic ballads, electronic campfire folk, and pounding power pop anthems propelled into outer space by Robbie MacArthur's reverbed guitar licks, the album got the band a lot of attention in the media and it would wind up topping the Canadian college charts.
The High Dials hit the road hard and made many beautiful friendships touring this record in their beloved/despised purple van, Bernadette. Sold out tours opening for the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Neko Case across the USA and UK won them new fans. They got to collaborate with Rod Argent of the Zombies on a track for an EP belatedly released in 2007 (The Holy Ground).
Amidst all the touring, Trevor secluded himself in a damp cottage in Sligo, Ireland, to the deafening buzz of bees, with a laptop, drum machine and several bottles of fortified monkish wine. The result was the beginnings of "Moon Country", a two-sided LP of droning dance grooves, spaced-out rock anthems and wistful psych folk. They released the album independently in Canada in the fall of 2008. A tour of the west coast followed and a memorable opening for jangle pop heroes Echo & the Bunnymen at SXSW 2009!
In 2010, they reunited with Rainbow Quartz, and set about building a home studio in an abandoned (reputedly haunted) Montreal building that once belonged to the Canadian navy. The resulting recordings were mixed by Michael Musmanno (Lilys, Cadence Weapon) in New York City. The new album, "Anthems for Doomed Youth" is out now!
"Anthems for Doomed Youth" can be ordered on CD or vinyl via our microstore (on this page). All High Dials albums, including "Moon Country" are available worldwide through iTunes and other digital outlets. Please support the High Dials by paying for your music!
Some press selections:
Anthems For Doomed Youth (2010)
"An instant power-pop classic… A dazzling kaleidoscope of psychedelic flavoured confectionary… Meticulous, drug-addled, starburst songs that resonate long after this album leaves your CD player. Indeed, the songs here are not only anthems for doomed youth, they are, in the best sense of Brian Wilson, teenage symphonies to God." 8/10 Pop Matters
"Montreal's High Dials have perfected their blend of '60s pop hooks and swirling guitars, putting the fruits of their seven-year career on display" Exclaim
"This is a prime example of how to turn lo-fi recording into listenable results. The High Dials haven't stopped making music since they formed, but this feels like a comeback album" 4 stars, Chartattack
Moon Country (2008):
"Country-tinged '60s-ish psych-rock, with great harmonies and occasional doses of druggy drone…They are fantastic live." Top 10 albums of 2008 - Brooklyn Vegan
"Clever but heartfelt lyrics and gorgeous pop melodies" Top 10 albums of 2008 - Montreal Mirror
War of the Wakening Phantoms (2005):
"A latter-day psychedelic classic"8/10 - NME (UK)
"The sound of a band discovering its soul and creating something beautiful and big. this album will blow you away"4 stars - ALL MUSIC GUIDE
"Their sunburst melodies sound arena big" Recommended - SPIN
"An immaculate, narcotic pop record"The Globe and Mail (Canada)
"If you're not already in love, this album approximates its euphoric stupor. Hell, Montreals High Dials may change your life."4 Stars - NOW Magazine (Toronto)
