EKPHRON (double Vinyl simple pochette)

Description

High Tone are iconic figures of a certain European underground scene, apostles of a reasoned DIY approach, committed and yet often instrumental. They have patiently and intelligently carved out a unique place for themselves, constantly connected to their audience and their roots, starting from dub to build their own vast and complex universe, open to collaborations and always accessible. Labelled ethno-dub in their early days, High Tone evolved both their terminology and influences, becoming an inspiration in their own right, drawing from dubstep even before the term existed and fully embracing what is now called Bass Music. This encompasses the various lineages combining drum&bass, dub, glitch hop and other adventurous paths taken by the Lyon-based group, who are never static and always rooted in the present, always on the lookout, always exploring. This pioneering status (they were among the first to bring dub to a concert setting) now makes the Lyon-based group a reliable fixture on the European underground scene, driven by an unwavering stage reputation, earned through numerous tours taking them from Canada to China, Poland and England, playing in small clubs and huge festivals alike. Never complacent, the group evolves with each album and encounter, incorporating hip hop, drum&bass, dubstep influences... while obviously retaining the ethno touch that has been their hallmark from the beginning. The High Tone sound is fluid but instantly recognizable: driven by experimentation, innovation, where psychedelia and hypnotism play a significant role. The quintet formed in 1997, on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, then in full effervescence, animated by a rave feeling and an undeniable punk spirit: do it yourself, independence, demands; it was around High Tone that the Jarring Effects label was founded, which they have never left since. Loyalty is another intrinsic quality of the group. With an unfailing sense of giving to the audience, musical communion, and sharing values – solidarity, creativity, cross-culturalism – exemplified by the trip launched in 2002: the dubtones sessions, where the group confronted another dub or electronic combo, for an album – or even a joint tour. Inaugurated with Kaly Live Dub, this series continued with Improvisators Dub, Zenzile, the Chinese Wang Lei, and most recently Brain Damage for an extraordinary album, confirming that High Tone is always relevant in the present. Or even in the future. Sébastien Broquet