Brighton’s alt-rock underground just got a little louder — and a lot more intense. Rising five-piece HIGHDRIVE are back with their second single Something I Said, out now via tastemaker label Venn Records (home to the likes of Bob Vylan, Witch Fever and High Vis).
Following last year’s debut Cherry, Something I Said feels like a mission statement. Produced by Guy Page of Coach Party, the track is a jagged blast of anxiety-soaked alt-rock — all wailing guitars, claustrophobic tension, and the kind of internal monologue that won’t shut up at 3am.
Formed in 2024, HIGHDRIVE bonded over shared obsessions with Deftones, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and DIIV — influences that echo through their sound without ever weighing it down. Before even dropping a track, the band had already carved out a reputation on the South Coast live circuit, sharing stages with Marmozets, English Teacher, Do Nothing, TTSSFU, DEADLETTER, Welly, and Glare.
Lyrically, Something I Said dives headfirst into self-doubt and spiralling paranoia. Vocalist Lucas Leitch describes it as a snapshot of being trapped inside your own thoughts — replaying conversations, questioning every word, and convincing yourself you’ve said the wrong thing (again). It’s raw, honest, and quietly pivotal too — a track that unknowingly became the blueprint for what HIGHDRIVE would grow into.
With momentum building fast, the band are set to support Coach Party in Brighton this month and will hit the 2000 Trees Festival this summer, with more shows locked in across 2026.
HIGHDRIVE are:
Lucas Leitch (vocals, guitar)
Eva Jaksi (bass, vocals)
Bella Palanques (guitar)
Felix Cleeve (guitar)
Billy Houghton (drums)
Something I Said is out now. Turn it up, overthink it later.
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