Highly Suspect release frontman Johnny Steven’s acoustic performance of single These Days from their latest album MCID. After hearing the acoustic version, Highly Suspect fans and supporters were keen that it be released widely. The track can be listened to here.
These Days is a commentary on the everyday struggle and stress of life, particularly reflecting and relating to what many are going through right now. The official video, which was released last month, underscores this theme unfolding in a narrative that’s told through the eyes of an outsider sitting at a middle class American family dinner table. The video stars Tony Cavalero from HBO’s Righteous Gems, The Dirt, and School of Rock and was directed by duo Rock and Egg. Check out the official video here and the recently released behind the scenes here. The vulnerable, stripped down acoustic performance became one of the most engaged with videos of this year’s Digital Fader Fort, where it made its debut in the US.
Highly Suspect will be returning to the UK in August 2020 for 5 shows across the country, which will include a sold-out show at Electric Ballroom in London on 31st August. Tickets are available here.
UK Tour Dates
25th August 2020 –Bristol SWX, Bristol
27th August 2020 – O2 Institute3, Birmingham
28th August 2020 – Manchester Academy 2, Manchester
29th August 2020 – The Garage, Glasgow
31st August 2020 – Electric Ballroom – London
Along with the release of These Days (Acoustic), Highly Suspect have also launched a secret site where fans can send anonymous complaints about their families or significant other during quarantine. Johnny Stevens encourages everyone to let off some steam saying, “Yo, you guys sick of your families yet? Hopefully not but JUST IN CASE you need to vent.. feel free to post your secret rant or photo or both and you WILL remain anonymous.. sometimes it’s just good to get shit off your chest so if you gotta let some shit fly, by all means.. vent away and let it out. We love you. WE GON BE ALRIGHT.. all of us. MCID -j.” Check out the secret site here.
Highly Suspect released their highly anticipated third album MCID, late last year and it showcased 16 songs including Canals, 16 and Upperdrugs and featured artists including Young Thug, Gojira and Nothing But Thieves. MCID followed their second album The Boy Who Died Wolf and their Grammy nominated debut Mister Asylum.
The sonically integrated MCID is not just the third full-length project from a band who approach the rock genre with a hip-hop ethos, but it’s a family meeting and an apology from singer Johnny Stevens whose lyrics demand accountability from himself and urge him to be more honest to conquer the demons that made him who he is. With stories of heartbreak and hope, it’s not surprising that his most vulnerable collection of songs is addressed directly to his chosen family, his followers, and his comrades. The intensity of MCID, showcases the transparency and emotion of Highly Suspect, making it an album for the ages.
