The Higher – ‘Elvis In Wonderland’ [EP] [Album Review]

Back in 2000, Las Vegas pop-rockers The Higher were riding on something of a wave of popularity, having supported the likes of Panic! At The Disco, Taking Back Sunday and more. Taking advantage of their popularity, the band dropped their On Fire disc before going on hiatus in 2009.

Well, here we are twelve years later, and thanks to COVID bringing the friends back together, The Higher have just dropped their first new material, Elvis In Wonderland, and listening to the slick pop tones of opener “Are We High,” it almost feels like they’ve picked up right where they left off.

Deliciously poppy, the five tracks are packed with that Vegas party vibe, especially the title track, which the group says has been inspired by the debauchery and all-night party ethos of their home city. Of course, coming from Vegas, there is a slight edge to their sound, but listening to tracks like opener “Are We High,” there is still definitely something of a chilled, laid-back energy going on in those grooves.

At times, possibly more so in Seth Trotter’s vocals than the music, there is definitely something of a Simple Plan feel to the EP and, with the hints of r&b that The Higher make use of, you could almost shut your eyes and let them take you back to that ’90s pop-rock vibe. Easy to listen to, Elvis In Wonderland certainly marks a welcome return from hiatus for the three-piece, and given that they’ve brought with them some of that Vegas sunshine and attitude, we’re more than happy to join the party.

Elvis In Wonderland Track Listing:

1. Are We High
2. Elvis In Wonderland
3. Free Ride
4. Introverted Hurricane
5. Pours In The Morning

Run Time: 14:28
Release Date: October 14, 2022
Record Label: Secret Friends Music