Highland Kites

"Lamar’s folk-pop confessionals are of substantial depth, navigating issues of identity, truth and relationships through a hopeful but wary eye. The full-length was produced by Raymond Richards (Local Natives, et al), whose guitar and bass parts (along with Briggs’ drumming) add a sonic resolve to Lamar’s ruminations. There are strings too, contributed by Kaitlin Wolfberg and Ken Oak, but all is not as melancholy as it might seems when the singer-pianist cops to “blasting the Cure through my headphones,” as Lamar sings in “Now I’m Home.” The shuffling opening track “Small Frame” might capture the overall spirit best, ending in “If my body breaks / my love will be OK / I’m more than just a human / that slowly fades away.” - buzzbands.la

Score 10/10 Stars

Music is moving. Sometimes it can bring one to tears and other times it can cause one to think more deeply. It can bring about feelings of rage or despondency and it can strip layers off your armor, casting you closer to the matters of the heart. And then there are times when music is so sonically and physically powerful that it is tectonic in its movement. LA based band “Highland Kites” led by female vocalist Marissa Lamar possesses a sound that is somewhat mesmerizing. Whether the band are perfectionist or whether this was truly a labor of love of all things pop that needed time to perfect, the end product proves its worth in just how well structured it is. This is a heartfelt musical project that isn’t going to be taken down easily and in fact is probably just getting started – very much like the power of music – it all a bit uncontrollable.

“All We Left Behind” opens with “Small Frame” with its loose as a screw attitude, yet somehow tight, and as melodically awesome of a kickoff song as you can get without the pieces flying off. I get an image of seeing this band playing in a high end club around LA and blowing everyone away without trying too hard to do so. I’ve DJ’d in these kinds of clubs before. Lamar and company has an extremely “High End” sound that’s comparable to a Lamborghini as this is a high end production that has a sharp edge. I use the imagery because I’ve been to house parties like this and the live music in those venues carried the same kind of energetic free as a bird vibe as this music does. Those illegal live music house parties were defining for me because everything was so raw, real, so modern. “All We Left Behind” definitely delivers that West Coast style and signature sound and attitude. To be cool in LA is not easy to do and Highland Kites manage to pull it off. This is the feeling I get when listening to some of these tracks “I Don’t Blame You” and striking “Broken.”

I’d go on about lyrics because they are some of the best I’ve heard in a long time. They could be strung together run on sentences or they could be random bursts of conscious ‘I’m not taking this anymore” spew. Personally, I feel that the importance is more in the meat. The answer is in the aural landscape. The rhyme and reason is in the textured textbook style of this masterfully crafted music delivered cleanly reminiscent of classic acts as La Roux, Ocina Pop, AlunaGeorge and Chvrches. The music itself sets a stage, tone, and feeling. But the serenity is soon blown away by powerful A-Factor Lamar and the gang bring to the table via her amazing voice that reaches mountain heights and swoops down into the darkest caverns, churning and chugging along, lumbering, picking up to dizzying speed and dashing the listener against all manner of surfaces.

Other songs like “Now I’m Home” and the epic closer “Bitter to Brilliant” really pluck on the heart strings. This album hearkens to mind images of love, living life to the fullest, being true to one self and the good and bad of love within the vastness of time and space. Lamar is a effective vocalist as I slapped her vocal chords under her microspore I was impresses how she handled herself.

This juicy group of songs from “All We Left Behind” by ”Highland Kites” are to say the least intriguing. Lamar and her music demand submission. The music captures this attitude perfectly, and this reflects the band itself. It’s in this environment a fan or listen can appreciate really good music that “keeps it real”. It’s a well-structured and impressive foray that reaches into the abyss and cracks your heart wide open, which is something a lot of easy radio fed drones could use every now and again.

Matthew Bulger - Indie Music Reviews

About the Artist: Highland Kites is a project started by SoCal native Marissa Lamar. After struggling with and beating a severe illness in 2013, she decided to pursue her dream of making music. In less than two years her and her band released an EP entitled SO Vicious, and a full-length album which they produced with Raymond Richards (Local Natives, Avid Dancer, honeyhoney) at his Los Angeles studio. They consider their style a blend of folk and rock and Marissa’s long -time love for writing poetry drives their lyrically based sound. After releasing their last album (“All we left behind”) and returning from a tour to the Pacific NW the band went back to the studio and recorded another full-length album.

I have to say I was extremely impressed with the initial 3 tracks “Small Frame”, “Now I’m Home” and “Black and White”. They made quite the first impression with me. Each one possessed my full unadulterated attention. To be honest: I expected cheesy Singer Songwriter Pop cut from the same cloth as some of the more cheesy female based rock nowadays. Not that there’s anything wrong with that material, I just want to hear something new and different. What I discovered was actually quite the opposite. The whole CD is wonderful and is full of what I would call melodic acoustic energy with Alternative Folk/Rock textures that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me a bit of of Jesse J, Florence and the Machine, Lykke Li, Lana Del Rey, and Ellie Goulding. I can also hear the slight Psychedelic-Alternative-Punk influence in there as well. What I really like about Highland Kites is there is no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. “house or cards” music with a pretty face via top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. None of that here. The vocal work from Marissa Lamar is intoxicating, however I do wish she took more vocal risks here and there with more finale power to show us what those pipes can really do during those moments. This is really my only criticism. The overall production work (Produced by Raymond Richards at Red Rockets Glare Studios) leaves a lasting impression. The vibe you get from the rest of the band led by drummer Neil Briggs and company is impressive. Highland Kites will also appeals to many listeners – both advanced and novice, modern and maybe some not so modern. Like a three layered Highland Kites are one LA based band that has a lot to offer. They are quite marketable. Whether it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, and spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Highland Kites are taking us back in the right direction with their latest 10 song CD.

Mt Top Picks: Black and White, Empty Pages, I Don’t Blame You

Final Word: Highland Kites will affirm your faith in good music again. They represent all that is magical, real and missing in today’s music. This ‘All We Left Behind” CD delivers a highly diverse 10 track catalog via top flight production/musicianship, amazing songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Rock, Pop and Psychedelic-Alternative Rock at its finest. - Skope Magazine

(Los Angeles) Highland Kites just released their latest 10 track effort entitled “All We Left Behind” in 2015. As is my normal routine before I even listen to the music I did some preliminary homework. I was impressed with their bio: It seems that as time goes by — and technology advances — artists are expanding their horizons. Vocals/keys: Marissa Lamar , Drums: Neil Briggs Guitar/Bass: Raymond Richards , String arrangement for “Before You Leave”: Patrick Warren & Kaitlin Wolfberg , Violin/Viola: Kaitlin Wolfberg, Cello: Ken Oak, Album artwork: Mathew Bolger, Produced by Raymond Richards at Red Rockets Glare Studios.

As the CD advanced I can hear the refrains of the likes of Mice and Men and The Sundays. So what exactly am I holding in my hands right now – let’s play this thing. I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artist has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track “Small Frame” sets the stage rather appropriately for a CD like this. It was a great intro piece that stuck in my head and had me eager for what around the next corner. All in all the whole CD is brilliantly delivered with a richly woven alt-rock folk-type texture yet with songs that have serious melodic staying power. Vocals from Lamar fit this style of music like a glove. I especially like her singing as it’s not over the top. I can hear influences ranging from Scissor Sisters, Hole, L7 to even Lily Allen. To be honest I can’t say enough about Highland Kites overall appeal and their musical impact upon the listener. From rocking “Empty Pages” to solitary “Broken” this CD covers all the bases. They possess a sound that favors many ale pop artists in the late 80’s and 90’s but with a modern day feel. They remind me of a more cutting edge modern day version of Mazzy Star or Eurhythmics Briggs and Lamar make a good artistic team. If there was one word I would use to describe The Highland Kites it would be diversified.

Criticism: I wish I heard more vocal harmonies from either Lamar or the rest of the band. More solo segments would spice up the catalog a bit better as well.

This CD will simply make your day more entertaining, but there is an undeniable passion beneath all this. These folks are also very capable players as the proof exists between the spoken lines and within the exotic production value. It’s obvious to me The Highland Kites primary goal as a band is to make this world a better place one crazy late gathering at a time….. - Rock N' Roll View

We have all been exposed to well-known rock artists that are talented not only in music but are also endowed with other gifts. It seems that as time goes by — and technology advances — artists are expanding their horizons. Both Lamar and Briggs are prime examples of cutting edge alt/folk. Many feel modern rock has lost its identity with it’s over the top flash and mundane and mechanical delivery. Indeed not everyone is highly entertained. But behind the flash and flamboyance is one of Southern California up and coming act Highland Kites. Their 10 song CD is amazing! Admittedly it provides a whole lot of variety song for song via these catchy latest arrangements and solid performances. First: Highland Kites is an impressive band who deliver rock solid performances and writing like a well oiled machine. This is testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Second: Lead singer Lamar dishes out vocals that are to die for. She also possesses a strong musical collaboration with the rest of the band – which is harder that it sounds, very syncopated. There’s nothing dysfunctional about this album. All members have the attributes required of an effective players. Third: their overall sound and amazing songwriting touch are as good as it gets in modern alt-rock. All songs are a skillful combination of modern alt/rock yet with a slight folk pop/rock aftertaste that will remind you of the likes of The Veronicas, Fun, Rita Ora, Own City and Carly Rae Jepsen and Natasha Bedingfield.

Highland Kites have the creativity and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. What’s more: there is also a unique quality to this catalogue that breaks the mold when compared to the mundane pop/rock that’s been filling the airwaves lately. What am I trying to say – well let m start by saying there is nothing fake and superficial about Highland Kites. I will add not every square inch of this release is filled with musical ambience delivered under duress – but musical space this allows the music to breathe on its own with passion that cannot be faked. Equally as impressive is how marketable this release truly is. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nice touch.

I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music of Highland Kites is extremely marketable – with a impactful sound that is passionate, dark, and hooky very much like the 2 core members themselves. - Bandblurb.com

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound & image. There’s something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever “it” is – they all seem to have “it”.

Today I listened to the latest 10 song CD from Los Angeles based band Highland Kites who just released their latest and greatest “All We Left Behind” in 2015. Venturing to their website I get the impression this is one band who is extremely determined, dedicated and passionate about the songwriting craft. From start to finish these 10 tracks are a very entertaining musical experience all around. It has a somewhat dark earthy pop-rock quality to it and also reminds me of MS MR, The xx, Birdy, Kate Nash and Bat for Lashes. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release from The Highland Kites. It’s clearly marketed for those who like a female vocal front with top-tiered musicianship in the background. I get the impression vocalist Marissa Lamar is being true to herself artistically via this compelling 10 track landscape. In other words she hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who they are musically. She;s not an over-singer. As a vocalist I would say she is above average – but not in the same class as other elite level vocalists. She lacks a bit in in vibrato, and falsetto. Favorite track for me I hands down (Black and White). The songwriting is very impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent artist. Within each one of these pieces this unit bares their soul and delivers what I would call pure musical mojo. It offers much in the way of a psychedelic “grooveability”. The playing from the band and overall production work is Gold Standard. One will also notice an array of musical instrumentation along the way from Cello, to Piano, to eloquent Strings and soothing Violin. All of this makes a very earthy folk driven CD. That is a pleasure to listen to. The overall vibe of the production is dark, melodic and slightly tragic and melancholy.

I see Highland Kites as a diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by we will no doubt hear more from this amazing band down the road via more albums. I also wouldn’t be surprised to hear his music on Prime Time Radio someday or even in featured in Film or a TV Production or headlining say the Warp Tour. In close most famous artists out there have “it” I’m not so sure what “it” is but Highland Kites have whatever “it” may be. - Allwhatsrock

Highland Kites first full-length album, “All We Left Behind,” kicks off with an expertly produced acoustic & clean lead guitar combo on “Small Frame,” arguably the best song on the album. The intro quickly weaves quickly into SoCal native singer Marissa Lamar’s first poetic turn of phrase “I’m more than just a small frame, left to be tamed.” The clean and crisp verse that follows leads into a somewhat ethereal and wide open chorus; “I’m only human on the outside.” Brilliant.

“All We Left Behind” is a somewhat slow moving, yet reflective work of art. Generally speaking, the album is largely composed of songs with simple yet delicately balanced instrument arrangements against the poetic content of the piece. The album seems to flow along in it’s own direction which at times feels somewhat fleeting yet retains its sense of purpose.

With its simple piano and acoustic arrangements supporting some beautifully executed vocal melodies, “All We Left Behind” leaves the listener with conflicting feelings of both sadness and hope. The earthy nature of the album lends itself well to the sometimes existential content meandering its way through it.

While the album can feel just a bit repetitive at times, there is enough variation from song to song to keep the listener engaged. “All We Left Behind” is an exquisite listening experience that has quite a stick-to-it-iveness about it. - Gashouse Radio

"Highland Kites have returned with their charming full length release, All We Left Behind. The Los Angeles trio is made up of Marissa Lamar (vocals/keys) and Neil Briggs (drums). All We Left Behind was also produced by Raymond Richards (Local Natives, honey honey and more). Throughout the record the band skillfully crafts each piece, bringing to life their indie folk roots. Lamar’s voice is like a dose of heaven that floats above the tracks, bringing something very special to the table.

Opening up the record is the attention grabbing “Small Frame,” which will draw your attention immediately with a gorgeous acoustic hook that is accompanied by tin-sounding drums. A warm and inviting sound, one can tell that Lamar’s story is very heartfelt right from the beginning. “Now I’m Home,” brings an even deeper element to the record with a haunting piano that melds perfectly with the overall instrumentation of the track. I’m already in love at this point!

“Black and White,” carries a storm into the album with an eerie tone that hovers like a dark cloud. Lamar’s voice floats above the song as if it is sent from heaven. “Broken,” follows in the same tracks leaving an everlasting impression on your ears. The vocals are smooth and sultry as they echo over enchanting guitars and prominent drums, which draw you deeper into the story.

“Intertwined,” brings a gentle love story into the mix incorporating a graceful display of instrumentation. Lamar’s voice straddles the grounds of soulful and gentle, to one of force, as if she is protecting herself in the song. “Intertwined,” has become an instant favorite of mine on the record, drawing me into the listening experience even more.

“Empty Pages,” shows a lighter tone of the record that showcases a jaunty element of the band. That being said, the song fits flawlessly with the overall theme of the album without missing a beat. Standout track “I Don’t Blame You,” shows off Lamar’s prominent vocal abilities, which will resonate in your ears. The gorgeous and charming “Polaroids,” continues that theme, as the combination of steamy vocals are surrounded by intricate guitar picking and lightly played drums; really setting the mood of the album.

“Before You Leave” proves to be one of the most heartbreaking songs on the record as you will be able to feel every bit of Lamar’s emotion. Her musical tears and memories are held together by slight violins that play gracefully behind her, and weave throughout. Closing out the record is “Bitter to Brilliant,” which has as much impact in the end as when the album first started. It acts as a nice closure to the stunning collection of songs, which you will fall head over heels for…over and over again. The only downside to Highland Kite’s All We Left Behind, is the fact that it comes to an end." - Music Existence

Highland Kites have an atmospheric chill sound with unsettling, deeply existential lyrics. Marissa Lamar’s vocals crack and droop in places that give the band its unique sound. The music can sound like college rock, progressive rock, or even quirky pop at times. It all comes together for a unique sound that puts me in mind of The Pixies or Radiohead.

The opening few tracks “Small Frame” and “Now I’m Home” both have a sincere earthiness to them. “Small Frame” continuously reminds the listener “I’m only human.” Then “Now I’m Home” uses a nice, slower backbeat rhythm to make a point about a desire to get away from it all. In both songs, there’s an attempt to reconcile the difficulties of life. It’s a far more existential set of questions that often inhabits albums of this type.

“Black and White” features a nice piano line. Again, it’s a track dripping with philosophical imagery and questions. “Is this how it’s supposed to be?” The following “Broken” really reminds me of the kinds of reflections bands like Dashboard Confessional made back in the heyday of “emo.” Lamar writes, “How did we get so hollow? With nothing left to give or take. And I’m down here on my knees, begging please, but there’s nothing left to say.” It’s a feeling that a lot of people think out of a place of desperation. It’s sad, too.

“Intertwined” carries the familiar theme of love’s complexities and life’s difficulties. The song is full of uncertainty. Again the instrumentation is primarily a melancholic rock feel. “Empty Pages” seems to be the expression of some sort of breakdown. At its heart, the track seems to be expressing a desire for reconciliation and, maybe, even redemption.

“I don’t blame you” provides a repetitive refrain of the track title. It’s definitely a reflection on a broken relationship from the past. The minimalist piano part at the beginning of the track seems to suit the sincerity of the song nicely. Once the full band chimes in, the song somehow reminds me of something Amanda Palmer would have written. In keeping with the nostalgic theme, “Polaroids” also looks back at days gone by. Using some of the happiest chords on the album, this might be the best track on the album. It has a kind of hopeful reflection on what used to be at the beginning, but about halfway through the song it turns back to the deep melancholy of the rest of the album.

The penultimate track “Before You Leave” is a kind of musical letter. It is both confessional and command. The track has some beautiful atmospheric strings that seem to really make the song. I’d love to hear more of these strings from Kaitlin Wolfberg and Ken Oak. The last track “Bitter to Brilliant” caps the relational complexity of the full album. The last line, “I came alive for you. You’re still alive in me.” This explains the existential questions, the frustrated tone of many lyrics, and the overall melancholy of the album.

All told, this is an album for people who prefer darker themes in music. Lamar’s writing is much like the deeply personal reflections of someone’s journal. She provides insight into the complexity of human relationships in ways that many of us non-artists simply cannot grasp. This is an album that will have an audience among fans of alt rock, progressive rock, and emo. - Ear To The Ground

Not all music has to push boundaries, kick in doors, change the musical landscape. In fact it is best if most of it doesn’t, imagine the mess. Some music knows where it belongs, has clearly defined comfort zones, which is fine because so do most people. Highland Kites comfort zones lie broadly in a melodic, accessible indie-folk, place, which in itself gives enough scope to be, if not overtly adventurous then certainly wonderfully creative.

Classical meets pop piano, chiming guitars and emphatic drums all find their way into the mix as does an atmospheric and slightly reflective melancholy on songs such as Black and White. You then realise that the comfort zone isn’t so comfortable after all and the middle of the road journey has soon left the tarmac for dusty back roads and off the map dirt tracks that lead to some darker edgier thought processes and pass through some haunting musical landscapes.

It is an album that delivers unexpected rewards the further into it you travel, one where you eventually throw away the map and just wait with anticipation to see what appears around the next corner. - Dancing About Architechture (UK)

Los Angeles duo Highland Kites have become a Kings favorite with their blend of folk rock. They just returned from a Pacific NW tour and immediately got back in the studio to record their 3rd album with Raymond Richards (Local Natives, Honey Honey) which they are close to completing. They’ve landed song placements on MTV, Showtime network, Tough Love (VH1), & Discovery Network. - Kings of A&R

“Highland Kites (aka Marissa Lamar) returns by leaking the first single, “Small Frame,” off her forthcoming debut LP All We Left Behind (dropping June 29th). Produced by Raymond Richards (Local Natives, Avid Dancer), the indie folk rock song is her finest ode yet with a warm ambiance of raw acoustics, twangy tones, and an echoing voice.”
Free Bike Valet - Free Bike Valet

Highland Kites has received airplay on the following stations:

Amazing Radio (UK)
AM1700 (MI)
CFRC (ON)
CHMR (NF)
CJAM (ON)
CJSW (AM)
KBBI (AK)
KCSU (CO)
KEOL (OR)
KEUL (AK)
KGAR (CA)
KHSU (CA)
KIDE (CA)
KLCZ (ID)
KMSC (MN) Ch #15
KNSU (ND)
KOTO (CO)
KRUI (IA)
KSYM (TX)
KUWS (WI)
KVRX (TX)
KWLC (IA)
KZMU (UT)
M3 Radio (NY)
TCC (OK)
UMSL (MO)
WCFM (MA)
WECI (IN)
WESS (PA)
WFDU (NJ)
WHFR (MI)
WHWS (NY)
WMCO (OH)
WMHB (ME)
WMPG (ME)
WMSE (WI)
WMUL (WV)
WNIA (NC)
WOJB (WI)
WPCD (IL)
WPRK (FL)
WRBC (ME)
WRNC (WI)
WRRC (NJ) Ch #17
WSHL (MA)
WSIA (NY)
WSYC (PA)
WTTC (MA)
WUMD (MA)
WUTK (TN)
WWSP (WI)
WWSU (OH) -

Highland Kites is a musical project started by Marissa Lamar after overcoming a severe illness. I have to imagine going through the creative process of making music has been a cathartic and therapeutic process for her. On her latest release All we left behind she worked with a handful of talented musicians including Neil Briggs (drums), Raymond Richards (guitar/bass), Kaitlin Wolfberg (violin/viola) and Ken Oak (cello).

All we left behind is a great listen even if it feels a tad bit scattered at times. Lamar delivers her vocals with the utmost honesty that you can’t fake. It also doesn’t hurt that she has voice that doesn’t take much effort to enjoy. Stylistically is where Lamar jumps around a bit. All sorts of references popped into my mind such as Mazzy Star, The Chromatics and even Feist.

The Mazzy Star reference was made on the first song “Small Frame” because of the dreamy atmospheric music made possible with a good amount of hall reverb on the guitars and vocals. The song is one of the highlights on the album and unlike Mazzy Star has an upbeat, energetic energy during the verse that could be more comparable to Lower Dens. As you listen to the lyrics you can’t help but surmise that she is singing about not only the acceptance of death but the ubiquitous Eastern thought spread by gurus such as Nisargadatta Maharaj and Jiddu Krishnamurti that we’re more than a point of conscious trapped inside a meat body. She sings, “I'm only human on the outside. If my body crumbled to the sea, would you feel me in the water? Could you hear me in the breeze? So if my little body breaks, my love it will be okay. I'm more than just a human, that slowly fades away.”

“Now I’m Home” contains a good mix of melancholy and reverence. A theme starts to emerge as she sings about escape and in particular from her human form. She sings, “I start to wish the rain would melt me and the clouds would pick me up again. I'd become part of something beautiful, but I've always been a bit insane.”

“Black and White” has hints of The Chromatics and was a personal favorite. It’s a darker song in regards to the lyrics and general atmosphere. Lamar questions the ambiguity of her own existential questions while also wondering if the innate instinctive patterns and cycles we live by are natural. The next song “Broken” could actually be about the same topic as “Black and White” but could also easily be interpreted as a song about an interpersonal relationship.

Luckily, Lamar knows that an album needs a change in mood once in awhile. “Empty Pages” has deep, reverent lyrics but also manages to rock out and Lamar belts out a melody. “I Don’t Blame You” is the most single worthy song on the album. It’s catchy, upbeat and has a hook.
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There are plenty of moments on All we left behind where Lamar veers towards the darkness whether it's questioning her surrounding or lamenting about feeling alone. The closer “Bitter to Brilliant” is more of an optimistic song in a number of ways and thought it was an excellent way to wrap things up. It has a life-affirming feel and the lyrics back it up. She sings, “Holding hands on swings and you screamed to me, “in 20 years, this moment will be just as strong." In all my fits and rages, as I burned our pages, I smiled in knowing the depths of love. I came alive for you. You're still alive in me.”

All We Left Behind only has minor mishaps. It’s an album that is well-written, well produced and above all else feels incredibly heartfelt and genuine. - The Even Ground

In Highland Kites’ new single “This War Inside”, vocalist Marissa Lamar certainly sounds as though she’s battling all manner of demons trying to assert their dominance from the inside. Her voice is vulnerable yet increasingly determined as the music swirls with a steadily building tension. With rapid-fire drums from Neil Briggs, the rhythm and percussion ratchet up momentum to give weight to Lamar’s confessional lyrics.


“‘This War Inside’ sort of represents my tendency to run towards the light in dark situations,” Lamar said. “Knowing that I am the only one responsible for trapping myself in unhappy moments, I have to make the conscious choice to turn towards positivity.”

The Los Angeles-based folk-rock duo released their debut full-length, All We Left Behind, in July 2015. On its heels, they’re dropping followup EP Let Me Run on July 22. The EP features “This War Inside”, produced by Raymond Richards, who also contributes guitar and bass to the tune.

A year after the release of their debut full-length All We Left Behind, Highland Kites is dropping their followup EP, Let Me Run, on July 22.

“I wrote ‘This War Inside’ on the keys and never actually intended to bring it to Neil to add drums parts (I had intended to just scratch it originally), since it’s a bit dancier than our usual music and I honestly couldn’t quite make up my mind about it,” Lamar said. “After rehearsal one day I decided to play it for him and he ended up running with this repetitive drum beat and some ‘80s craziness on his drum pad. We kept working on it, played it live a few times, fell in love with the song and decided we were going to record it along with the rest of the EP. When we brought this to our producer Raymond there was no guitar part written. I talked to him about it and said that I wanted the guitar to sound like the ray of light I’m running towards. He somehow understood my crazy talk (like he always does) and came up with the prefect parts that weave through the song.” - PopMatters

In Highland Kites’ new single “This War Inside”, vocalist Marissa Lamar certainly sounds as though she’s battling all manner of demons trying to assert their dominance from the inside. Her voice is vulnerable yet increasingly determined as the music swirls with a steadily building tension. With rapid-fire drums from Neil Briggs, the rhythm and percussion ratchet up momentum to give weight to Lamar’s confessional lyrics.


“‘This War Inside’ sort of represents my tendency to run towards the light in dark situations,” Lamar said. “Knowing that I am the only one responsible for trapping myself in unhappy moments, I have to make the conscious choice to turn towards positivity.”

The Los Angeles-based folk-rock duo released their debut full-length, All We Left Behind, in July 2015. On its heels, they’re dropping followup EP Let Me Run on July 22. The EP features “This War Inside”, produced by Raymond Richards, who also contributes guitar and bass to the tune.

A year after the release of their debut full-length All We Left Behind, Highland Kites is dropping their followup EP, Let Me Run, on July 22.

“I wrote ‘This War Inside’ on the keys and never actually intended to bring it to Neil to add drums parts (I had intended to just scratch it originally), since it’s a bit dancier than our usual music and I honestly couldn’t quite make up my mind about it,” Lamar said. “After rehearsal one day I decided to play it for him and he ended up running with this repetitive drum beat and some ‘80s craziness on his drum pad. We kept working on it, played it live a few times, fell in love with the song and decided we were going to record it along with the rest of the EP. When we brought this to our producer Raymond there was no guitar part written. I talked to him about it and said that I wanted the guitar to sound like the ray of light I’m running towards. He somehow understood my crazy talk (like he always does) and came up with the prefect parts that weave through the song.” - PopMatters

"On my daily search for something special on the Internet I discovered this truly splendid guitar pop/folk trio HIGHLAND KITES based out of Los Angeles and formed in late 2013.
It’s the brainchild of the wonderful singer/songwriter/guitarist Marissa Lamar blessed with a gripping voice. And the first song I heard of this trio and made me silent, instantly was/is a cover of one of Radiohead‘s unforgettable masterstrokes FAKE PLASTIC TREES (from their 1995 breakthrough album The Bends). A truly impressive rendition. Lamar‘s voice is really enchanting and colors the song with a mesmeric touch Thom Yorke would certainly approve. Musically the band’s overall sensitive approach with poetic guitar lines
is delightful." - Turn Up The Volume