Hike The Peak is a punk project helmed by Sheffield based musician Lee Byatt. In his own words, the band was launched “as a result of a mental health crisis during lockdown”, with Lee, wisely, realising he could use his musical talent and a revolving crew of friends to deliver a positive message. Following on from a selection of digital tracks – subsequently compiled as the ‘Only The True Fly Free’ album – this release couples another two absolute bangers in the skate punk mould, sharing a sound that’s guaranteed to take some listeners straight back to the late 90s.
Canadian vocalist JF Buteau of Colorsfade (a band which Byatt says “released one of the best EPs of 2023”), takes the mic for ‘Improving Situations’, a number which often sounds like super-charged version of Lagwagon circa ‘Duh’ with bigger production values coupled with the early Sum 41’s more metal oriented riffs. The blend of massive sounding melodic punk and skate attitude is perfect for Buteau’s voice, and the lyric regarding self betterment is simple but feels very positive. Even though the music occasionally leans towards the busy, it’s incredibly tight. There are moments where it may feel a little wearing – possibly deliberately so, given the band’s themes of emotional unsettlement – but there’s a welcome balance via a layered vocal that adds some really infectious “whoahs”, 90s style, to embellish a huge hook. It’s fair to say that even though this doesn’t reach the heights of a couple of HTP’s previous recordings, it’s still great and will provide an effective listen if you happen to be checking out this project for the first time.
The stronger of the two numbers, ‘Between Calamaties’ opens with an echoing, mechanical sound, before branching off into a world of thunderous drumming, augmented with thrash guitars. Between these two core elements, a near perfect skate punk sound is forged. It doesn’t strive for originality, but it has a genuine drive and forcefulness that’s impressive. The expected melodic element from the lead guitar calls out above the speed oriented riffs with a true clarity, setting a core sound in place that comes across like a mix of classic Pennywise and Strike Anywhere, but it’s the moments where the flow is disrupted by fierce stops and more of a pneumatic approach that leaves the strongest impression. Thanks to a slightly filtered vocal – courtesy of Sean Stupski of Still Gonna Bail – there’s slightly more of a melodic feel here in comparison to a lot of the 90s skate stuff, but everything still comes loaded with a great energy and edge. As with ‘Improving Situations’, the lyrical element is equally important. Here, Stupski and Byatt approach the idea that when depression hits, every day can just fall apart, and questions the lack of goal in “sitting down to worry [your] worries away”. Although this may seem a little bleak, it’s actually takes a positive role in reminding listeners that they aren’t facing inner turbulence alone.
As with all great punk, this release finds Hike The Peak aiming to reach out to others, and uses its sound to build unity and altogether celebrate a positive outlook. With music that feels nostalgic but still relevant, along with the input of guests who clearly understand Byatt’s vision, ‘Ether’ is a solid follow up to HTP’s previous outings, and very much strong enough to bring more fans on board. A recommended listen.
September 2024