High Voltage - Jump Start

EP Name: Jump Start Artist: High Voltage Released: August 2025 Rating: 7/10

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Cover art by Red (High Voltage, bassist)

Tracklist

1. Untitled Party Song

2. Get Up, It's New Year

3. Cut Him Off!

4. Dear Myself

5. Old Pet (EP Version)

High Voltage have released their debut EP and in five tracks they give you everything from fun theatrics to soft piano moments and emo fueled punk riffs. From the East of Scotland the four-piece known as High Voltage have spent the last year busy touring across the central belt. After perfecting their songs in a live setting it came time for the emo alt group to release some music in an EP format so everyone can listen (or shout the lyrics to 'Cut Him Off!') at home too. Heading straight into the vibrant theatrics that first had High Voltage catch my attention is opening track 'Untitled Party Song'. The bright and fun track is dressed with a harsher emo element taking it from a party song to something with a tinge of darkness. This is the first moment on new EP 'Jump Start' where I found myself not only wanting to boogie but also really enjoying the lyrics of the track. The first previously unreleased song 'Get Up, It's New Year' feels a little rougher round the edges than others on the EP. It definitely leans more into an alt rock sound than the emo heavy first track and there's a slight sense of urgency in 'Get Up, It's New Year' especially in the loud chorus. Third on the EP is a song I was so excited to be released, 'Cut Him Off!' was a firm favourite of mine after seeing High Voltage live earlier in the year, and I am so pleased that it is even more fun and shameless than I remember. The use of the phone call between two friends throughout makes the track feel more relatable, while the roaring energy makes this one I literally cannot get enough of. Taking a complete 180 in sound 'Dear Myself' comes in next like a gentle piano ballad. I love the way this one builds up gradually into a huge emo track. The use of vocal harmony in 'Dear Myself' fuels the song with even more emotion and overall it feels like a moment to stop and reflect in amongst all the lovely theatrical chaos of the rest of the EP. Last track on 'Jump Start' is a revamped version of previous single 'Old Pet'. Guitar wise this feels very like alt rock of the 2000's, same with the way it grows into probably the biggest chorus that High Voltage have ever released. This one feels raw and honest while keeping an infectious melody that will make you want to come back and listen to it again. High Voltage are a band I'm so happy I discovered, there's something about their wholesome fun energy that bleeds a fresh vibe into the addictive and emotionally laced rock tracks. Heavily leaning on the emo genre with sparks of alt rock appearing throughout all five tracks give you a taste of something a little different than the one before. I completely fell in love with the four-piece's energy live and I am very happy to hear some of that in a recorded format.

Listen to 'Jump Start' HERE

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