Sam Brace is no stranger to reinvention. As a core member of folk-punk powerhouses Skinny Lister, he spent a decade injecting their rollicking sound with infectious energy, contributing to five studio albums and touring the world alongside giants like Frank Turner, Flogging Molly, and Dropkick Murphys. Now, following the success of his 2022 solo debut ‘Fever & Bones’, Brace is once again setting his sights skyward with his latest release, the hard-hitting, anthemic single “We Go High.”
Brace’s new track is more than just a nostalgic nod to the 90s; it’s a thrilling synthesis of his creative journey and a testament to his ability to fuse deeply personal themes with broad, genre-spanning appeal. “We Go High” is a song that not only draws inspiration from the alt-rock giants of that era—Radiohead, Nirvana, Bowie, and Supergrass—but also brings those sounds into sharp, modern focus. For those who followed Brace through Skinny Lister’s folk-punk roar, this track marks a compelling shift into alternative rock, reflecting the depth of his songwriting and the expansion of his sonic palette.
At its core, “We Go High” is rooted in personal experience, detailing Sam Brace’s reflections on a tumultuous relationship marked by social media obsession and recreational drug use. Lyrically, the song has an air of catharsis, walking the line between self-awareness and frustration, all the while striving toward something hopeful—a sentiment embodied in its soaring chorus. The title itself is a rallying cry, a declaration that, despite the chaos and emotional weight that inspired the track, Brace chooses transcendence.
There’s an emotional universality to the lyrics, one that feels both specific to the digital age and timeless in its exploration of human frailty. The idea of “going high” when faced with toxicity echoes the personal resolve to rise above life’s darker moments, a theme Brace delivers with sincerity and grit. The lyrical candor blends seamlessly with the intricate musical arrangement, drawing listeners into a space where introspection and uplift collide.
Musically, “We Go High” leans heavily into the gritty yet expansive soundscapes of 90s alt-rock, but don’t mistake it for a mere exercise in nostalgia. While you can detect clear nods to the decade’s heroes—think the distorted layers of Radiohead, the raw energy of Nirvana, and the genre-bending inventiveness of Bowie—Brace makes these influences his own, creating a richly textured track that feels deeply contemporary.
The guitar work is a standout element. Sam Brace and co-writing partner Adam Tarry have sculpted a wall of sound that oscillates between driving, crunchy riffs and melodic, ambient passages. The interplay between lead guitar lines and heavier chord progressions is both intricate and dynamic, serving as a perfect canvas for Brace’s commanding vocal delivery. There’s a balance of power and sensitivity, aggression and restraint—qualities that give the track its unique emotional and sonic depth.
The rhythm section, too, deserves praise. The bass lines provide a rumbling foundation that locks in perfectly with the drums, adding heft to the track without sacrificing clarity or punch. The steady groove contrasts with the more unpredictable twists and turns of the guitar and vocals, anchoring the track in its rock-solid alt-rock identity while allowing the other elements to soar freely.
Vocally, Sam Brace delivers what might be his finest performance to date. His voice is a guiding force throughout “We Go High,” alternating between resonant lows and powerful highs with a control that belies the song’s raw emotional undercurrent. His range is remarkable, and the way his vocals intertwine with the music reveals an artist fully in command of his craft. He sings with a conviction that makes every line hit harder, from the personal laments to the hopeful refrains. It’s this emotive delivery that transforms “We Go High” from a great song into a visceral listening experience.
The song’s arrangement leaves space for Brace’s vocal dynamics to shine, but it also allows the instrumental layers to build into something truly monumental. There’s a sense of musical conversation between the guitars, drums, and vocals—each section responds to the other, rising and falling in waves of tension and release. This meticulous craftsmanship, paired with Brace’s ability to keep things sounding organic and instinctive, is what elevates the track beyond the confines of genre into something genuinely universal.
“We Go High” not only serves as a thrilling introduction to what promises to be another remarkable year for Sam Brace but also highlights his evolution as a solo artist. If ‘Fever & Bones’ showcased his ability to craft dark, brooding soundscapes, then this single is a testament to his versatility—an upbeat, defiant anthem that showcases both musical precision and emotional intensity. The seamless blending of 90s rock influences with modern sensibilities reflects an artist unafraid to push boundaries, while still staying true to the rawness that defined his work with Skinny Lister.
This isn’t just a track for fans of alt-rock nostalgia—it’s for anyone who appreciates honest, hard-hitting music that refuses to settle. Sam Brace has taken the sounds of his past and reshaped them into something new and exciting, proving that his solo career is not just a continuation of what came before, but an entirely new chapter of artistic exploration.
As we await his upcoming EP, ‘We Go High’ is a compelling reminder that Sam Brace is far from finished pushing the limits of what he can achieve. With this track, he takes listeners on a journey through both personal upheaval and musical triumph, cementing his place as one of the most exciting voices in modern rock. If you’re not already familiar with his work, now is the time to get on board—because Sa, Brace is going nowhere but up.
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