Theories abound regarding the seven-year cycle. Even the most casual of searches yields a wealth of discourse on the philosophy, positing the occurrence of transformation (or even full rebirth) in the seventh year. Higher Power grow into a similar space on their second full-length offering and Roadrunner Records debut, 27 Miles Underwater. Uncovering the nexus between melodic vulnerability, metallic viciousness, and punk vitality, the Leeds, UK quintet—brothers Jimmy Wizard [vocals] and Alex Wizard [drums], Louis Hardy [guitar], Max Harper [guitar], and Ethan Wilkinson [bass]—deliver eleven anthems informed by everything from shoegaze and grunge to punk and thrash, yet defiant of era.

As such, they embody alternative in the truest sense of the word.

“Song-wise, the record came from events and relationships over the past seven years,” explains Jimmy. “I started reading about the seven-year cycle. It made a lot of sense in terms of my life. I’m 27 now. It feels like this is where the biggest changes are happening. Being underwater is a metaphor for being inside of your own head. I hate water, so going underwater is not a pleasant experience for me. When you’re submerged, it’s dark. You can’t hear what anybody is saying. You can’t open your eyes. You feel disconnected and alone. This is what the record speaks to.”

A particularly fruitful cycle brought Higher Power to this point. The band made its debut with 2017’s independent Soul Structure. As it tallied over 1 million cumulative streams, Revolver proclaimed it one of the “20 Best Albums of 2017.” Along the way, the group garnered looks from Metal Hammer, Brooklyn Vegan, Kerrang!, and more in addition to touring with everyone from Turnstile to Vein. Signed to Roadrunner Records in 2019, they retreated to Modern World Studios in Tetbury, UK with producer Gil Norton [Foo Fighters, Pixies] for six weeks to record what would become 27 Miles Underwater. In the studio, they sharpened a signature style inspired by Deftones, Hum, Soundgarden, Silent Majority, Björk and UK hip-hop.

“We’d been listening to a lot of different music,” states Louis. “We wanted to write bigger and catchier hooks. We’ve all played in hardcore punk bands since like 15, so we tried to take advantage of that platform to explore a different style of songwriting now. As the songs came together, we paid more attention to harmony and melody. Gil made such a difference to the record. He turned our attention to a new way of observing the songwriting process. We really focused. We were writing from a more emotional place. These real-life experiences were being transformed into music.”

Lead single “Seamless” opens with thrashing guitarwork and feral screams, curling towards a hypnotic hook - “And I wish it was as seamless as it seems—inside my head” - before a hauntingly melodic bridge nodding to the album title.

Jimmy goes on, “I don’t talk to people about my problems. I’m very closed off, but I always have these ideas and feelings. When I attempt to translate them to the world, they are never as seamless as I want to say them. In my head, it all makes so much sense, but introducing them to others is super hard.”

Meanwhile, “Lost In Static” shuffles between a pummeling beat, hulking guitars, and a headyrefrain punctuated by analog computer transmissions. “I remember walking home from work after the shittiest day,” recalls Louis. “I was a laborer at the time. I put on HUM’s Downward is Heavenward. It completely lined up with how I was feeling. All of these weird chords came to me and inspired ‘Lost In Static’.”

“Sometimes, you just lose touch with people,” Jimmy elaborates. “We’re never home, so it’s hard to maintain relationships. You come back to somebody, and you’re just on different planets. ‘Lost In Static’ is about a friend. It helps when you realize the difference between you and the other person. It’s okay if you end up worlds apart. It happens.”

Elsewhere, “Low Season” trudges forward on a bouncing groove before a flourishing chorus about “How winter in England is super depressing, because you’re stuck indoors, isolated, and doing nothing,” as Jimmy says. Acoustic guitar entwines with caustic confessions on the intimate “In The Meantime,” while “Staring At The Sun” offers up a different kind of heavy love song. “‘Staring At The Sun’ is dedicated to my dog,” smiles Jimmy. “He’s the best friend I’ve ever had. I thought it would be cool to mess with convention.”

In the end, Higher Power turn every convention over on 27 Miles Underwater and kick off a new chapter for heavy music.

“We’ve come really far,” concludes Louis. “We’d love to be proof anything is possible. If you listen to the record and think anything you want is obtainable and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, it would be sick.”

“On the sonic side, I hope people don’t categorize what we’re doing,” Jimmy leaves off. “On an emotional level, I like to listen to songs that are straight to the point. I want listeners to hear this and directly relate. I feel alone in a lot of my problems, but albums remind me I’m not alone. Maybe 27 Miles Underwater can do the same for someone.”