There’s something magical about discovering a band in the wild — stumbling across a performance that stops you in your tracks, pulls you in, and refuses to let go. That’s exactly how I first encountered High Fade. A few years ago, I came across a YouTube video of them busking on the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, and was instantly hooked. The raw energy, the impeccable musicianship, and the sheer joy they exuded while playing were undeniable.
So, when I saw they were headlining a sold-out show at Pearl Street Warehouse, I knew I had to be there, cameras in hand, to capture the moment.
Watch a YouTube short of High Fade performing “Burnt Toast and Coffee” while busking in Edinburgh’s City Centre:
This wasn’t High Fade’s first time in DC — they made their local debut opening for The Cat Empire at the 9:30 Club back in October 2023. But tonight — Feb. 21 — was different. This wasn’t a warm-up set for someone else’s crowd. This was their night, their audience, and their moment to show exactly why they’ve been making waves across the globe.
Boston-based funk-rock outfit Round Trip set the stage with an electrifying opening set, blending tight grooves with soulful vocals that warmed up the packed house. But as soon as High Fade stepped onto the stage, it was clear the crowd had been waiting for this.
From the first note, the trio of Harry Valentino (guitar/vocals), Oliver Sentance (bass), and Calvin Davidson (drums) locked into a relentless groove, delivering a performance that felt both technically masterful and completely unhinged in the best way possible. As a three-piece, they have an almost telepathic connection, weaving in and out of intricate funk rhythms, face-melting solos, and deep, infectious basslines without missing a beat.
Stream High Fade’s album Life’s Too Fast (released 2024 via RPN Records) on Spotify:
What sets High Fade apart isn’t just their musicianship (which is phenomenal) but the way they command a room. They don’t just play music; they create an atmosphere — one where standing still isn’t an option. The dance floor became a sea of movement, with fans feeding off the band’s energy and vice versa. Whether they were locking into deep, pocketed grooves or exploding into high-intensity solos, every moment felt alive, spontaneous, and utterly electric.
Even from behind the camera, I couldn’t help but move along with the music, trying to capture the sweat-drenched intensity, the flashing grins exchanged between band members, and the pure joy radiating from the crowd. These are the kinds of shows that remind you why live music is so special — the kind that leaves you buzzing long after the final note fades.
By the time they wrapped up their set and returned for an encore, the room was ready to explode. The final stretch of the show was pure, unfiltered chaos in the best way possible — a raucous, dance-like-your-life-depends-on-it kind of energy.
High Fade doesn’t just play funk — they embody it. They take the raw spirit of street performance and translate it onto the stage in a way that feels massive, no matter the venue. And judging by the sold-out crowd at Pearl Street Warehouse, DC is more than ready for them to keep coming back.
Enjoy a selection of photos from High Fade’s Feb. 21, 2025 performance at Pearl Street Warehouse. All images courtesy of and copyrighted by Ari Strauss.
