Highbeams - Do Good \\ Be Well

Highbeams

Do Good \\ Be Well
self-released; 2016

​3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Highbeams is Adam Pendlington, Ian Pendlington and Stephen Quinn. The band released the impressive Everything Aside and are are back with Do Good \\ Be Well. This release is an EP at twenty-one minutes and like its predecessor contains some great music.

The songs are celebratory, catchy and put you in a good mood. I was actually reminded of Rusted Root in a number of ways. Remember them? The Rusted Root comparison is most apparent on the opener “Lead On.” It starts off unassuming with vocals and guitar chords but as it progresses there is this world music type groove that starts to emerge. The energy shift is subtle but by the end of the song it has an almost tribal quality to it. I think the vocal harmonies are really what does it.

The band also delivers infectious grooves on “Lovely Company.” For not a whole lot of instrumentation the band makes a lot of noise. The vocals are really exceptional here and I loved the high energy the song delivered. 

I think the band made the right decision to go with “All The Same.” The energy here is more subdued and quite necessary after the first two tracks. One thing that this song had in common with the first two songs are the exceptional vocals. Catchy, fun and well delivered. This song also has a slight country vibe. It’s subtle but there. 

“Done” is a little more reflective and nostalgic sounding than celebratory. Some of the lyrics reflect the mood of the song. It is another good song that also displays some of their versatility. Next is “Roots and Wings.” I’m not sure why but I like the name of this track. This song is a builder. It gets more intense as it progresses. They close with “Taking Care of You” which like “Roots and Wings” builds with energy with time. 

​Do Good \\ Be Well is a great EP. I really enjoyed how these songs were produced and delivered. I’m not a betting man but if I was I would put down a paycheck on the fact that these guys would blow your socks off live.

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