It is always a good day when High On Stress release new music and May 8th was the date of this particular gift of happiness. It might be me but as a Minneapolis native this band just sounds like the Twin Cities. Their songs often have themes that undoubtedly hit the mark across many people but there is something about the spirit, sound, vibe…just the overall groove that their songs hit that evokes this area. There is a moment in time long ago…rolling down Lyndale on the MTC past Painter Park, OarFolk, Mortimers…it sits in the songs of High On Stress with me. Maybe it is all in my head since I have been listening to them for so long but my opinion on that is never going to change.
This latest set (on Rum Bar Records) is the follow-up to 2020’s Hold Me In although they did also release some singles in the interim between full albums. There are twelve tracks total here and it is a great listen all the way through. They open with the pointed “House of Cards” which is a song that has a subdued energy that feels like it is just itching to burst out. Also included are the energetic “Over/Thru” (several cool guitar tones on this one) and “Time Will Tell You” (rhythm section powered awesomeness).
There are also some nice slower tempo numbers like “Cliffhanger” and “Ambassador” (which has a interesting drum line that gives this track a bit of an unsettled vibe). For my own favorite song I have to go all the way to the title track in slot twelve. There is something just a little bit different about the tone and sonic atmosphere of this one – a little edgier, sharper…maybe a little bit colder sound. Whatever it is, it works really well on this very poignant, straightforward track that also features a couple boisterous bridges that made me happy.
As always, Leet’s vocals throughout are delivered with a clarity and earnest energy that feels very real and true. They combine well with the other talented musicians in High on Stress for an excellent album. I highly recommend Still Here to your attention and hope you can make time to listen to it soon!
If you have time and are interested it is also worth picking up their Live at First Avenue album – just a sweet concert recording to enjoy.
Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list:
Musicians on this are: Nick Leet (vocals, guitar, piano, organ), Mark Devaraj (drums), Jim Soule (bass guitar, backing vocals), Chad Wheeling (guitar).
Order this one here – several options!
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/still-here
Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below
Interested in more info on this Artist?
https://www.instagram.com/highonstressmpls
Playlist links
https://bandcamp.com/jackmesenbourg/playlist/03022026
Prior review links
Just a few ideas if you have the time: purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂
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