Simon RushworthEdinburgh three-piece High Fade hit the road this month on the hotly anticipated Unsigned & Dangerous Tour. Here are five reasons to follow UK funk rock’s new scene leaders.
Get that natural High
How to reinvent the funk rock wheel? Ask Harry Valentino and his buddies as High Fade peddle that perfect middle ground between authentic reinvention of a much-loved genre and an ambitious 21st century take on dancefloor-ready, soulful, blues-soaked grooves. Want attitude, flair, fun and mind-blowing funk? A High Fade show’s like a crate of Buckfast mixed with a smoking bong — it’s the night of your life and you’ll only want more.
Movember wrapped
Oliver Sentance is the ultimate Movember poster boy as High Fade criss cross the UK spreading the gospel of fabulously progressive, retro-soaked funk rock. The beating heart of a brilliant live band looks like he’s walked straight out of a 70s ad for Farah slacks with facial hair to die for. You could hang the full range of Unsigned & Dangerous merch off that immaculately trimmed handlebar moustache — and that may well happen. Just one of the many reasons you can’t afford to miss High Fade this month.
Purveyors of the world’s finest vinyl
There was some serious noise around the fact that High Fade’s new live record would be available on blue vinyl for a limited time only. As if by magic, Rushonrock’s copy — preordered within hours of the link going live earlier this year — landed on the morning of the first Unsigned & Dangerous date. With tracks culled from club dates around the world, it’s a must-listen for early adopters and new converts alike. And it seems an extra box was pressed just in time for this month’s UK dates — grab them while you can!
‘Prince’ Harry’s the lord of funk
There are frontmen. And then there’s High Fade’s fabulously gifted frontman. A soft Scots accent capable of melting the hardest of hearts, the Hollywood smile and that instant rapport with the masses makes for a triumphant triple threat. Harry Valentino’s a chap who loves his work and who relishes every last second on stage. It’s no surprise High Fade learnt their trade — and forged their reputation — busking on the streets of Edinburgh. In fact, Valentino’s greatest strength is his deep connection to the crowd. In the week that David Coverdale hung up his mic for good it’s reassuring to know the future of rock and roll is in the safest of hands.
Burnt Toast & Coffee never smelled so good
That the Unsigned & Dangerous tour kicked off on the first anniversary of Life’s Too Fast’s release reveals just how far High Fade have come in such a short space of time. That dazzling debut arrived hot on the heels of the brilliant Burnt Toast & Coffee — the setlist staple that announced Valentino and co. as serious players in the summer of 2023. The band’s best known single remains a barometer for High Fade’s consistent brilliance and represents their unwavering commitment to funk rock’s roots. There’s no better place to start…
Band image courtesy of High Fade Facebook page