Montreal art rock trio DahL released their latest single “High Tide” following a successful international debut at the New Colossus Festival in New York. This track draws direct inspiration from the literature of Judith Schalansky and her work ‘Atlas of Remote Islands’. The songwriting centers on a feverish monologue of exile involving a silent passenger on a fragment of land surrounded by saltwater static. It is a haunting and masterfully constructed piece of music that commands the full attention of the listener.
The recording took place at Studio Saint Zo in Montreal with producer Monty Munro of Preoccupations. During these sessions, the band moved away from their typical sequenced layers to prioritize a more physical and immediate sound. The arrangement focuses on percussion and bass to create a tension that mirrors the energy of their live performances. This shift results in an atmospheric texture that feels grounded and visceral. The final mix captures an emotionally charged grey zone that defies easy categorization.
Nassir Liselle provides the guitar and vocal foundation for the track alongside bandmates Bryan Greenfield and Edward Scrimger. The lyrics describe a grim camaraderie between castaways while swelling with a sense of rising pressure. This release follows the momentum of their debut LP ‘That’s It’ which established their reputation for immersive storytelling. The trio fuses elements of post-punk and trip-hop into a fluid and fearless sonic identity. They remain a constant presence on the experimental circuit through shared stages with acts like Suuns and FACS.
The track functions as a nautical romance set against a backdrop of wreckage and polar expeditions. It builds momentum through a fragmented narrative that explores the boundaries of isolation and flight. By stripping back electronic elements, the group allows the raw instrumentation to drive the story forward. This approach highlights the chemistry of the trio and their commitment to uncompromising artistic visions. The song stands as a specific and powerful achievement in modern art rock.