The debut album by Adelaide party punk band HIGHTIME serves up some of the most fun, heartdriven and diverse songs in Australian punk rock today. Featuring 13 brand new tracks, this album is a clear representation of just how fun it can be for a band to push its own musical boundaries in the name of creativity. “Ishi Prende” features original artwork by Spanish artist Javier Ruiz Arregui. For fans of NOFX, Sublime, and Stike Anywhere. facebook.com/hightimemusic
Pressing:
1200 x CDs
400 x LPs
REVIEWS:
Rest Assured Zine
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
Awesome pop punk band out of Adelaide that features Stolen Youth drummer, Dave. When I say pop punk I mean Fat Wreck style, not that modern day New Found Glory rubbish that gets passed off these days. Aside from the odd ska influence that shines through, this band really reminds me of TILT, as Hightime is also female fronted. On the more agressive upbeat songs vocals are screamed a touch, but for the most part are sung and real catchy. Musically it’s very much on par with traditional NOFX or perhaps the Flatliners who carry over that ska influence. This band is real fun and this release is instantly likeable. Well played Adelaide, well played indeed.
PunkRockTheory.com [Belgium]
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
It’s Hightime, not Lifetime! On their debut album these Adelaide natives do play fast and melodic punkrock but that’s where the comparison ends. I’m thinking there’s a fair amount of weed involved as well (which would explain the ‘high’ part in the bandname), seeing as they like to mix everything up with crazy ideas that they draw from lots of different styles. Simply put, their attitude towards music is fun and refreshing. When they go in ska-mode, they have a bit of a No Doubt vibe going on… I guess they have frontwoman Nina to thank for that. But she can just as easily burst out in angry screams during the hardcore-oriented parts. It makes for an album that offers plenty of variety and which stays exciting up until the end. And even though I still have no idea what “Ishe Prende” means, I’m digging this one!
Review by: Thomas – Score: 7 out of 10
Idle and the Bear [USA]
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
Hightime is an awesome ska-punk band from Adelaide, Australia. They’ve been playing together since 2009, and recently signed to Pee Records to release their debut album, Ishi Prende. Nina is an amazing vocalist and the music is absolutely badass. Lately, it’s rare to hear any NEW ska-punk bands that don’t suck major balls, so it was really exciting to get this. Ishi Prende will be released on the 25th (Black Friday)! The first song, “Beer Garden,” is great. The guitar/bass play of Reuben and Jay is really catchy, and Nina’s voice is perfect for the sound. It’s a really fun song. The sound is very NOFX meets Save Ferris, if you can picture that (I’m sure you can.) “Share Your Smokes” is another one of the punx-y songs, and it’s pretty great. The lyrics are awesome and really up-front, which I love. “Figure This Out” is probably one of my favorites. It’s super addictive. It’s been on-and-off stuck in my head for days. Other great songs include “Lay Low,” “Don’t Move Away,” and “Lag Behind.” “Lag Behind” is INTENSE, dude. I bet seeing them play that song live is crazy. Overall, I’m just really impressed with the musicianship of these guys. Last but not least, the ending track “Die For Something” is the best out of all of them. It has male vocals on it, the lyrics are brilliant, and I love the melody. There’s also a little secret on this album! I really recommend this to all ska fans reading this… Give Hightime a shot!
Chucking A Mosh
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
To truly understand this weeks review, I’d like you to take a moment to close your eyes and imagine you are walking through the middle of the desert. It’s boiling hot and you are dripping sweat. Your muscles are aching and your thirsty and dehydrated, and you would do just about anything for a beer and a cigarette. You finally come to the top of a sandy hill and over it, to your wildest delight, you find an oasis! The most beautiful oasis, with palm trees housing exotic birds, and surrounding a crystal blue watering hole. You are overcome with excitement and you run for it, imaging how great having a swim in that water is going to feel. Suddenly, you realize that there is noise coming from within this hidden paradise. As you get closer, it gets louder and louder until finally you realize that the sound you are hearing is a fucking party in the desert! There are people everywhere, free beers on ice, and a guy in a Hawaiian shirt and sea captain hat grilling Mexican food for everyone. And to top it off, there is a bitchin’ punk rock band totally killing it! That band would probably be Hightime! You may now open your eyes. Hailing from Adelaide, Hightime are fast receiving local hero status, and after taking their super fun and high energy show on a few interstate jams as well as having scored some pretty solid overseas supports, the word is definitely spreading! The band’s debut full length is called Ishi Prende, and it is an absolute cracker. On the surface, Hightime are a ska/punk band. But don’t expect Reel Big Fish covers. The band use a variety of influences, from reggae to jazz to thrash to 90’s style melodic punk to craft their own unique take on the genre. The shift in dynamics from lightning fast punk rock to smooth dub-esque moments and everything in between works perfectly and has made this record one of the most diverse Australian punk releases of late. The record stays upbeat and in your face for it’s duration, and succeeds at staying right away from monotony. It’s always great to see women getting actively involved in punk rock, and being a female fronted band, it’s refreshing to have a bit of a different perspective on a style of music that is, for the most part, very male-dominated. Lyrically, however, Ishi Prende is incredibly relatable to anyone who’s ever thought about the world, been drunk, broke, in love and out of smokes! Hightime are one of the country’s most exciting bands. They have breathed new life into a genre that a lot of people tend to write off, and I can only see a big year ahead on the back of Ishi Prende. Keep an eye out for a show at a venue or living room near you. Rating: 23/28 Days
dB Magazine
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
As the band name suggests, this local four-piece create music for exactly what one would imagine, which is simply put: “A good time”. Combining an array of influences into their punk formula, Hightime may have just created the soundtrack for a lot of Punk lovers’ summers out there, as well as reggae enthusiasts and beach inhabitants. Igniting the listener with opening track Beer Garden, a fast paced intense punk number which could remind NOFX that there are bands at their standard minus the obnoxious and crude vulgarity (not that this is a bad sentiment from the Californian icons), it really is a party starter and practically transports the listener to a circle pit of mayhem. However, the real genius behind this quartet is that just when one has Hightime figured out, they accentuate their true talent with their diversity. Lay Low is a prime example of this with its transformation from firstly a reggae song, to then a Californian punk hard hitting sprint which morphs again into an accelerated surf rock number; simply remarkable. The real highlight from the thirteen tracks of ‘Ishi Prende’ is one of the final tracks of the album called Don’t Move Away. Flirting amongst punk, reggae, a memorable 80s soundtrack and a jazz interlude, what emphasises this track the most is not only the sense of local pride in the lyrics, but just the straightforward and catchy chorus which is impossible to not sing along to. Full credit must be directed to vocalist Nina McCann because this hook might just make the history books. The experimentation with other instruments like trumpets and bongos on the songs Plug Your Feet and Loan Shark justifies the bands’ talents even further. But don’t for a second think they are shying away from intensity as Nothing To Stop is an insane thrash about of chaos, screams and blast beat drums – yes, the scarier version of punk. If bands like NOFX, Sublime and even some earlier Frenzal Rhomb are the soundtrack to your summer BBQ, then Hightime are a definite worthy addition to your playlist. Fat Wreck Chords may as well start hunting Hightime down; this is easily their level and best of all Australian. Review by: Will Oakeshott
Kill Your Stereo
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
Party punks Hightime have just released their debut full length album which features thirteen tracks of abrasive, fun loving ditties for the kids to mosh to. Led by female vocalist, Nina, whose can go from her thick Aussie “sing talking” to a guttural scream at the flick of a switch, the Frenzal torch could easily be passed onto this group. They already have the subject matter covered as opening track Beer Garden, a song about wasting the day away in, yes, a beer garden, covers off in its quick one minute timeframe. The lyrical themes are not always so light on however, as more serious topics are touched on, such as the motivational quote calendar that is Reject, a fast paced, melody heavy number which makes for one of the album highlights. The reggae tinged sounds of Lay Low, which rear their heads in sections of other songs as well, are a good example of the different ideas that Hightime intertwine with their punk sound. This track also exemplifies what Nina is capable of when straight singing in softer moments showing that there may be more than meets the ear where her vocal abilities are concerned. Recorded at Adelaide’s Capital Sound Studios, which seems to be a haven for quality sounding records of late, the tones captured suit the songs perfectly. Moving from the fuzzed out gutter punk guitars, where necessary, in the heavier parts to a smooth clean sound in the crazy funky body mover, Plug Your Feet. To shift from the chilled out vibe of this track to the sporadic and energetic noise of To Spoil, a heavy song that seems to be driven by clean guitars strangely enough, is exactly why ‘Ishi Prende’ will keep you guessing all the way through. There is more than enough variety found here to push this record up and over the many other punk lacklustre punk releases this year. The pop punk happy vibes of Figure This Out, jump to the short blast of mayhem that is Nothing To Stop, and the instrumental title track. Musically it seems like Hightime can perform any genre they desire seamlessly. Conclusion: Hightime have successfully combined various musical influences into the one punk sound which makes for a punk rock record that never becomes stagnant or sounds too repetitive. The fact that there is an underlying feel good theme to most of the songs adds to the appeal of a strong debut release for this group. Rating: 75
Black Munk
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
Hightime are tweaking Australian punk to sound like whatever they desire. Their debut album ‘Ishi Prende’, out on Pee Records, has moments of reggae, ska, pop punk, and straight up punk rock. Add the inclusion of a female vocalist and the challenge to find another band similar becomes difficult. Starting proceedings off is the fast-paced punk track ‘Beer Garden’. Definitely a song that will grab the crowds’ attention. From that to the heavily reggae and ska influenced tracks such as ‘Lay Low’, ‘Plug Your Feet’, and ‘Loan Shark’, Hightime keep things fresh and entertaining. And if they do not cover enough genres for your liking then check out the pop punk influenced track ‘Figure This Out’. ‘Ishi Prende’ is an album that enables Hightime the ability to play alongside a huge variety of groups in the punk scene. One thing is for sure, Hightime are a band who obviously love the music they play. Independent record label Pee Records has helped yet again to bring to the attention of Australian punk fans another band that might never have reached audiences Nationwide. Hightime’s ‘Ishi Prende’ is the perfect album for punk fans to kick back and relax to on a hot summer afternoon. Rating: 7/10
ThePunkSite.com [Canada]
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
Hightime’s an interesting hybrid here – they’re certainly traveling some well-worn musical paths, while tossing in a few additional ingredients and always, always keeping the momentum going. I mean, they’ve chosen a strange plot to till (90s punk/ska with flamenco flourishes, anyone?) but the disbelief is suspended: they’ve convinced me. This stuff is not bad at all. Sure, there are cringeworthy moments – the incessant jazz noodlings in “Share Your Smokes” is a good example. The guitarist seems literally incapable of not putting little runs of notes in between his riffs, which tends to sound a bit silly after a while. And visually the band is doing everything wrong (Comic Sans fonts, goofy skeleton art, etc.), enough so that I initially dreaded listening to this record. And yet… and yet… Ishi Prende, in spite of all this, totally works. It’s a little goofy and a little theatrical and musically indulgent, but screw it – Hightime is a fun, confident band that sounds like they’re having a blast. The vocalist’s voice is clear and, at times, searing, her lyrics are smart, and musically, a lot of this shit’s pretty ferocious – blitzkrieg hardcore bursts with frenetic ska sections thrown in, similar to stuff Against All Authority or the Suicide Machines did. Counter that with the ease and deft handling of a reggae-infused tune like “Plug Your Feet” and it’s clear that Hightime is most likely one of those bands made up of a bunch of musicians that could probably play whatever genre they wanted to. And ska punk, as far as I know, has never really come close to matching the cultural and commercial zenith it did fifteen years ago, so it seems that there’s not much of a bandwagon left to jump on. All of this points to the fact that Hightime is most likely doing this simply because they dig it – and a lot of that infectiously playful quality shines through. I wasn’t expecting much from Ishi Prende, and was definitely surprised at just how catchy and consistent it was. Call Hightime a throwback band if you want; I think they’ve crafted a record that’s just new and manic enough to avoid sounding like a throwback, and I picture Ishi Prende getting some continuous plays around here. I enjoyed this.
Best Song: Plug Your Feet
Rating: 3/5 – Review by: Keith Rosson
Drum Media Perth – Issue #273
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
It wouldn’t be adequate to label Hightime as straight out punk. While on the surface they may come across this way, there are so many different things going on at once. It’s almost as if they went to their local CD store (aka JB Hi-Fi), grabbed music from the reggae, ska, punk, pop and rock sections then went home and threw them all into a blender – but instead of being left with a horrible mess they’ve managed to make each genre work perfectly with one another. Listening to the quality of song writing on Hightime’s debut album Ishi Prende it’s hard to believe that they have only been together since ‘09. The album flows so smoothly and has an energy that is often lost during the recording process. It’s only when you discover each member has been playing music for years and the band has been friends even longer, does it start to make sense. One of the most impressive elements of Hightime is front-women Nina McCann’s vocals. One second she can be screaming her lungs out, and then all of a sudden will singing a cheery melody in perfect pitch. McCann’s voice works perfectly on heartfelt songs such as Don’t Move Away, a track that WA audiences can relate to. The song is about their small hometown Adelaide, and friends who can’t wait to jump on a plane and get out of there. With Hightime playing up the road every second weekend, you probably wouldn’t find a better place to live/party. Ishi Prende screams of a band who just want to drink, smoke and hang out with friends every chance they get – thus putting this record on Monday morning isn’t advisable. Review by: Daniel Cribb
Smorgasboader #9
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
There’s a party on the go. A Cossack polka band is having a few beers and jumping around to Propaghandi doing a set of Mr Bungle covers with a jazz band on backing, who are all listening to Sublime on their iPods at the same time. Missy Higgins and Lily Allen arrive to join in the festivities with their daughter who was adopted and raised by Gwen Stefani on a steady diet of Jello Biafra and social justice. A giant stubbie of beery fun drops from the sky and explodes, melting all the party goer into a weird mish-mash of musical genius. Adelaide punks Hightime push just about every boundary that can be pushed in a raw, rough and ready, yet incredibly diverse and inspiring 13-track release that could easily be a standalone soundtrack to the best skate video ever. Pure energy and brilliant musicianship flows through style after style seamlessly, all bound tightly together by unexpected singing talents of Nina, a feisty young lady with no fear of busting a few vocal chords. If you like your tunes safe and predictable, this is definitely not for you. Get into these guys (and girl) before they get all punky and disenchanted and do something idiotic and self-destructive like split up. Rating: 4/5
Some Will Never Know [UK]
HIGHTIME – Ishi Prende
Hightime are equal parts INSTED style hardcore, NOFX shaped punk rock, and erm, decent sounding ska. Yes I know there’s no such thing as modern ska punk that is in any way listenable, but there’s something about the way Hightime combine a whole load of worldy influences and switch between them that makes it not matter. A couple of songs remind me of the UK’s King Prawn, another band not scared to straddle a few genres and do them all justice. What is really endearing however is vocalist Nina’s style. She can sound soft and feminine, snarling and tough, and all the time sincere and real. None of the nasally whining that spoils some pop punk bands, and she can really let rip, like on the track ‘To Spoil’ which apart from having a guitar solo sounds like it could have been written by Ignite or No For An Answer. Elsewhere the band displays their great musicianship by switching tempos all over the place, and never staying in the same place long enough to lose your attention. My favourite tracks are ‘Don’t Move Away’ which is quite literally about giving your home town a chance and not ditching it like the cool kids do for the bright lights of the big city, and the totally raging hardcore track Nothing To Stop. I’d love to see these guys live sometime so lets hope maybe someday they hit the UK or mainland Europe. Definitely check out this CD is you want to hear a fresh take on that good old pop punk formula.
Rating: 75/100 – Review by: McKee
