antiMusic.com: The High Court - Puppet Strings Review

The High Court - Puppet Strings Review
by J Simpson

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Puppet Strings is the introductory album released in July 2007 by The High Court(THC) a five piece band from New Jersey. After touring with a few different metal bands guitarist Lou Cuello, bassist Kyle Shell, and drummer Denny Carvell decided it was time for a change and they were gonna take up the task of starting a new band. The next step was finding a lead singer and another musician. After placing an add on Craigs list for a singer the group was fortunate enough to snag JB along with another guitarist Mike Matranga. When the guys were done with their first rehearsal they knew they were meant to play together, they were not positive of the sound they were seeking but by the time the jam session ended they knew they found something worth pursuing. The High Court was born.

THC grew into an indie/rock/poprock band. Sort of a Fall Out Boy but with clouds of that sweet scented smoke following them around. The disc is a 12 song collection of straight forward guitar driven rock with the typical acoustic piano ballad thrown in. The group plays on themes encompassing wickedness, gluttony and love gone awry, its personal and in general with their lyrics and rhythm persuading you to join in the fun. The title track jump starts the disc with flair, an appealing cadence paired along side a catchy riff but unfortunately this formula alone an album doesn't make. After a few tracks the music seems to fade with really no songs that stick in your head so that you find yourself humming it couple hours later.

For the fans of this type of music THC does a commendable job and they try to have as much of a personal relationship with their following as they can, if your having a party after their show they want to be invited, if your passing something around in the audience they want to be included so long as everyone is having a good time. Their music is nothing groundbreaking or original but you'll notice some experimentation scattered throughout the collection which is a good thing. It shows they are growing and are not afraid to try new sounds which is essential in this day and age of music. THC currently have a spot on the WARPED tour where they are endlessly promoting and partying! Smoke em if ya got em

CD Info and Links

The High Court - Puppet Strings
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