The High Water Marks—a band founded by Hilarie Sidney (Elephant 6, The Apples in Stereo) and Per Ole Bratset (Palermo)—are a USA-by-way-of-Norway project that’s been around for over 20 years, though there was a long hiatus in the middle for academic pursuits and work-life balance. In recent years, however, the band has fallen into a well of inspiration, releasing five albums since 2020. The latest, Consult the Oracle, is out today on Meritorio.
Given their veteran status, it’s no surprise The High Water Marks sound so self-assured here. Consult the Oracle is a mature (but never dull) collection of indie rock songs with a strong pop sensibility. It doesn’t quite fit my personal definition of power pop, but I won’t argue if you want to call it that—just point to the Dropkick/Teenage Fanclub vibes of Old Farm Witches or The Works, and your case is solid. Put the spotlight on the super-likeable Up To You, and the band easily slips into the noise pop bin. Sunshine indie pop might be an even better descriptor, as this whole record has a breezy, summery feel—exhibit A: opener Postcard. Exhibit B: Don’t Hang Me Out to Dry.
And that’s just side A. On side B, highlights like From the Start and And Then We Ask Her About the Hammer showcase the band’s ear for timeless melodies. There’s range too, with the alt-rock/Britpop-leaning Your Stint in Art School and Strange Things mixing things up.
What a fine, rich, and effortlessly enjoyable record this turned out to be.