HighSchool’s debut album, self-titled, serves as a meticulously crafted time capsule, a forty-two-minute exploration of the fervor of youth, the tumult of adolescence, and the persistent longing for both real and imagined moments. The project, created by Rory Trobbiani and Luke Scott, presents a record that blends cinematic flair with immediacy, intertwining the exhilarating tension of indie rock, post-punk elements, and digital-age romance, making it a remarkable first album.
Released through [PIAS] Australia and produced by Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode) with Finn Bellingham (RIP Magic, Sam Akpro, Sunken), the album draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, including midwestern emo, slowcore, Italo-disco, and the alt-rock influences of Alex G, while establishing a unique identity honed from their breakout ‘Forever At Last’ EP (2021) and the upcoming ‘Accelerator’ EP (2024). The band shared insights leading up to the album's release: “When you’re young and reckless, every emotion strikes harder… love, hate, boredom, desire—all feel sacred. Then you mature, and that intensity fades. Perhaps that’s why youth is so often romanticized. This album is forty-two minutes of trying to recapture that feeling,” they mused, setting the thematic essence of the record.
We spoke with them before their sold-out performance at Rough Trade East in London, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding their debut. HighSchool’s experience has been a study in contrasts—between the laid-back atmosphere of Melbourne and the relentless pace of London. “Melbourne is a very easy place to live... while here [London], it's all about the grind and dedicating yourself fully,” Rory explains. “Our time here was beneficial. Melbourne allows you to develop your sound, whereas London provides a platform to showcase what you've created to an audience and gauge their reactions.” This mix of disciplined effort and youthful spontaneity is evident throughout the album. Songs like ‘One Lucky Man’ explore the struggle between stability and chaos, discipline and desire. “The heart of the song addresses the conflict between the life we strive to build and the urges that divert us... It’s about the thrill of surrendering and the silence that follows,” they express, illustrating the universal struggle of growing up.
HighSchool refined their sound within London’s Windmill scene, performing in venues that were pivotal both creatively and personally. “Those initial experiences were turbulent yet exhilarating. But enjoyable too,” they recall. “It greatly influenced our songwriting, capturing the energy of London and weaving it into our music.” A fundamental aspect of HighSchool is its nostalgic essence, which they explore both lyrically and sonically. The duo sought to evoke emotions that “people might have forgotten existed… or even create memories that you didn’t have.” They treat nostalgia delicately: “You want it to feel nostalgic yet new. You certainly don’t want to merely replicate the past… This allows for the creation of something fresh while avoiding an eclectic or random outcome.”
This ideology extends to the visual aspects of the album. HighSchool highly values storytelling through music videos, crafting cinematic experiences that enhance their sound. “We place a significant emphasis on visuals. It feels like another chance to evoke the emotions we want our audience to experience,” they convey. Their influences range from Gus Van Sant’s Elephant and Lilja Forever to Virgin Suicides and American Beauty, balancing an idyllic suburban setting with deeper, introspective themes.
The album kicks off with dynamic energy on tracks like ‘Dipped’ and ‘149’, exploring digital-age romance in ‘Sony Ericsson’, merging contemporary narratives with youth’s immediacy. “Usually, we start songs focusing on the emotion we wish to convey… and we play around until we discover something that captures that,” they explain. This spontaneity is central to their creative process, allowing genuine moments of immediacy to shine through. Despite their DIY spirit and experimental tendencies, the duo acknowledges the complexities of finishing a record. “It's often that last 20%, that final 10%… getting it completed. More frequently than not, the easier tracks might not end up being the best,” they note. Songs like ‘Sony Ericsson’ were reshaped at the last minute to reach their final versions, demonstrating that creative patience and refinement can yield impactful results.
HighSchool is also aware of how their live performances influence their recordings. “In the past, we’ve leaned towards a heavier sound live compared to the studio… But with this record, we aimed to keep it as live as possible, minimizing overdubs… capturing those little golden moments that define a track.” With the album released, they are already eyeing the future. A headline US tour will commence in March, followed by European dates and a return to Australia in May. “Watching the first record grow brings a strong sense of relief… Creating a second album will be easier with less
HighSchool's self-titled debut album surfaces like a meticulously assembled time capsule, offering a forty-two-minute contemplation on the fervor of youth, the
