The Blackout
Out 28 March
Higher and Higher is the first single from The Blackout's forthcoming album Hope and sees the Welsh six-piece deliver a much more accessible sound than heard in previous singles such as Children of the Night.
Hope is the third album from The Blackout and if Higher and Higher is anything to go by, it sees them make a welcome move away from the post-hardcore, emo scene they have resided comfortably in for the last eight years.
The single maintains the fun and energetic sound that brought the band popularity in the first place while managing to take a more mainstream direction.
Higher and Higher has a distinctive pop edge as well as a rap collaboration from Los Angeles based hip-hopper Hyro Da Hero, undoubtedly opening up the music to whole new fan base.
Catchy riffs and a memorable chorus leave the single resounding in your subconscious for days and the accessibility of the track has caused a buzz amongst Radio One DJ's with Zane Lowe declaring it to be "The Hottest Record in the World Right Now".
One can only predict the party atmosphere Higher and Higher will induce live and with a packed touring schedule this spring followed by appearances at festivals such as Download this summer, Higher and Higher is unlikely to be all we'll hear from The Blackout this year.
If you're not already part of The Riot Squad (that's what they call their fans) then you probably will be by the end of 2011.
Verdict: 4/5
FemaleFirst Antonia Charlesworth