Single: I’m a Fool For You
Artist: The High Learys
The pop music of the 60s was dominated by guitars, drums, and mid-range male vocals, with the synthesizer lending the iconic sounds that the music has come to be known for. Often the upbeat tempo would have listeners up and dancing, or enjoying the music while spending time with family and friends, whether this was at a picnic, barbecue, or on a Sunday drive. Perhaps it was because of all of these elements that I recently began listening to bands like The Animals, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors once again. So you can imagine my delight when I came across The High Learys, who are deeply influenced by bands like The Animals, The BeeGees, and The Kinks, to name a few.
Formed in 2011, The High Learys are a rhythm and blues band from Perth, Australia. Their personal style and music will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Even the cover art for their three albums is done in a style reminiscent of the 60s and 70s Beatles? album covers. Some may find them nostalgic, but I find The High Learys refreshingly fun.
“I’m a Fool for You” is the band’s latest single and it pops with vibrant guitar, bubbly drum rhythms, and, of course, a synthesizer solo. However, the lyrics are the exact opposite of the music. They speak of unrequited love and heartbreak sung in the typical 60s pop music fashion.
But apart from the obvious similarities to the band’s musical influences, the song left me somewhat disappointed. In both the lyrics and music the song is very repetitive. It also comes across as somewhat flat and devoid of any emotion. But, considering the dark lyrics, perhaps the band is merely trying to mask them with upbeat music, almost like a smile that is masking a troubled heart. If that is the case, then they remain true to their influences, who often also masked darker lyrics with upbeat music.
But despite my disappointment in this song, I was still intrigued by The High Learys, and after listening to some of their other music I became a fan. I found that in their other music (like the song “Let You Down”, which can be found on the band’s bandcamp page) they were able to demonstrate their talents as musicians, and they seemed to have more fun in a song that had more of a blues sound.
So although their latest single didn’t hit the mark for me, I highly recommend checking out The High Learys if you are a fan of 60s pop and rock-infused blues music. Their music is the perfect pick up and great to listen to just for fun. The High Learys? music can be found on their bandcamp page and in iTunes.
Samantha Stevens is an aspiring writer who loves combining her love for literature with photography, painting, music, and all creative pursuits.
