HIKE THE PEAK: "WATER" TWO-TRACK REVIEW

Hailing from Sheffield, England, skater-punk band Hike The Peak are back to give you those feel good summer vibes that you have desperately needed after a long cold winter. "Water" is their latest two-track, following their "Air" and "Ether" release last year and "Fire" in February this year.

Hike The Peak ollied their way into the music scene in 2021 with their two-track "One". They have an impressive discography including their 2024 full length albums "Only The True Fly Free". 'Water', released on November 13th, features Queensland local Adam "Watto" Watson of Deadheat as he performs his written work on track "27 Seconds" and UK's Thomas West of DARKO on "Sowaisopo" making this a true international affair.

"Time is everlasting, They say it heals everything, Although it's measured by the clock, When she is distant its seemingly stops, At night the beasts show themselves, And I get lost within myself, Alas she is a shining light

Helps me endure the darkest nights". The first song on the two-track is '27 Seconds'. While Adam is known for his comedic lyrical stylings, he has recently turned his hand to something more romantic. Hike The Peak has acquired that talent to create this catchy love song. '27 Seconds' has a sing-a-long factor to it that I can tell will draw in a live crowd, screaming the lyrics enthusiastically back to the band. "27 seconds away from me, is

the furthest I want you to be, a destination that can only be true, 27 Seconds away from you". Growing up around skater kids this song transported me back to that time and remembering watching the romantic attachments form around the skateboards, while listening to Blink 182, Sum 41 and Story of the Year. Hike The Peak have managed to bring in the general feeling of summer love with such ease it is relaxed and comfortable; something akin to that first love, where you just can't stay away from each other, and need to be with each other at all times. "She is my comfort, Never feel alone, Our reality can distort, But she is always my home". If you appreciate a good rom-com this is the song for you. '27 Seconds' will leave you with that mushy feeling we all secretly love, no matter how big and scary and unaffected by romantic feelings we pretend to be.

"What's up with the complaining? The pompous noise you're making, The hooks are fine, Don't make me lose my mind". I must confess that I am a

sucker for a good punk bass line and an upbeat drum tempo, and I was not disappointed with 'Sowaisopo'. This punk anthem will have you feeling every eye roll you have ever rolled when someone questions you on why you care about "X" when it doesn't impact you personally. Why are you talking about these horrible things that I don't want to think about? Why are punks so political? Why can't they just make the pretty music and leave the social issues out of it? "What's up with all the hating? Intellectual masturbating, The songs are fine but you’re ruining my vibe, You're telling me things I don't want to know". 'Sowaisopo' will have you shouting the chorus with your whole chest to the high energy and chaotic beats. Hike The Peak have showcased the perfect backdrop for Thomas' lyrics, matching the ferocity and frustration, while simultaneously creating a mocking atmosphere of those who want to keep the politics out of punk. "You're telling me things I don't want to know, So why so miserable? Not like you're the next against the wall, So why so political?".

'Water' has done an incredible job at displaying the duality of punk music; it's fun and upbeat side as well as the political tones that underlays (or in some cases, shout it from the rooftops) our entire alternative scene. Whether you listen to punk or metal, it all stems from politics and this two-track tackles that beautifully. I will confess that before writing this review I had never listened to Hike The Peak but they are now in several of my playlists, and I found myself listening to the two-track on repeat well after I had finished writing my notes. 'Water' has a nostalgic while fresh atmosphere to it that will make any skater-punk fan happy.

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You can find updates on Hike the Peak at their linktree.

For Fans Of: DARKO, A Wilhelm Scream, Face To Face and Strung Out

My Favourite Song: Sowaisopo - I can't resist societal commentary punk music.

8.5/10