High Fade is an Edinburgh-based independent funk-rock trio founded by guitarist/vocalist Harry Valentino in 2018. The band has made inroads on the U.S. jam band scene, having recently played Suwannee Hulaween in October 2025. For comparative bands, you might think of other power trios like Lespecial, SunSquabi or Consider the Source but more on the vocal and rock side of the biz.
On May 8, they released their second full album, “Twice as Nice,” and it’s a scorcher. It’s not straight-up funk—more like a hard-edged crossover in a high-octane cocktail. The powerful lyrics are sung and shouted with energy and darkness at intermittent intervals.
The band is about to launch a major U.S. tour in support of the album, and I’ll be catching their show in Atlanta with some extra details. In the meantime, give your ears and your psyche a shot of adrenaline by listening to each cut and checking out my take on this new offering.
Dubbed Scotland’s most electrifying busking band, funk-rock trio High Fade have built a reputation the old-fashioned way: playing everywhere, to everyone, with fearless musicianship and uncontainable energy.
Comprised of founder Harry Valentino (guitar, vocals), Oliver Sentence (bass), and Heath Campbell (drums), High Fade have played more than 1,500 shows across the UK, Europe, and North America, building a reputation as one of the most ferocious live bands on the road today.
Track-By-Track
Swamp starts with a massive guitar riff that is a cross between J. Geils and Cory Wong (yea, you can look it up!). The bridge hits the brakes for an instant with a brief melodic interlude before the second half launches into a monster guitar jam. The final section is straight-up power trio heat.
The Fly is the lone instrumental on the album, save for the opening shout out for the drum intro. It is a machine-gun, rapid fire guitar propelled tune, that no vocals are likely to keep up with. It does have some spots of trumpet riffs to catch some breath, before reaccelerating to the frenetic pace.
WAR as one might expect, is an anti-war, protest song. It is fast and funky with punchy bass and catchy lyrics. After the initial verses, the bridge has a jam-band-style guitar solo that segues into a heavy metal, wall-of-sound guitar blast with the line, “You know I love to hate,” right up to the finish.
The Jokes On You is a smarmy rebuke to a former flame, with lyrics spouting a fiery vengeance. It’s straightforward rock and roll, right up to the dramatic ending.
Retro Inferno is one of the more funky tunes on the album, driven by some power bass opening and Harry’s deep blue vocals, a bit like the late Jim Morrison. The dark overtones reflect the moody lyrics lamenting an on-and-off-again relationship. The bridge has a bluesy feel before the tune reignites with a high-powered finale.
Sick of Myself has the trio playing high-voltage, rage-filled chords with angry lyrics on top. There’s kick-heavy drum work and some fuzzed-up guitar and bass that kicks butt. It’s bouncy, ricochets off the walls and ceiling between self-assurance and doubt.
Time For A Cig (Twice As Nice) is an interesting contradiction — it’s got an upbeat tempo and feel, but the protagonist is “twice as nice but cold as ice.” It’s a cool-sounding dance party tune akin to some of the early ZZ Top guitar-led tunes, bouncy, fun, and a bit dangerous.
Room 634 is one of my album faves, eminently singable and danceable. For this one, I’ll reference another throwback, George Thorogood & The Destroyers. It’s about a potentially troublesome and possibly illicit relationship. The guitar solo midway is tight as the rhythm section keeps rolling the pocket right on through.
Black and Blue kicks off a bit differently, with a slower tempo and a funky bass line. It’s got quite a gritty, soulful rap sound. The lyrics roll off the tongue with a rolling accompaniment from the band. Black and Blue is equally fine in the instrumental bridge or vocal sections. Well done!
Dollar For the Bus hits like a rough and ready, rock and roll anthem. Harry’s vocals are edgy and vibrant and yield to a biting guitar solo. I hear a bit of B3 organ in the background but that could be some echo or reverb. In either case it’s a solid tune to end the album.
High Fade is:
Harry Valentino (guitar, vocals)
Oliver Sentence (bass, mustache)
Heath Campbell (drums)
