"The Only High" by The Veronicas - Single Review

   We have been patiently awaiting a follow up album from Australian sister duo The Veronicas for nearly three years now. While they have not completely vanished from the music scene – instead delivering two knockout tracks in the form of "In My Blood" and "On Your Side" last year – their latest offering might signal a brand new direction for the fourth album era.

   "The Only High" differs vastly from the now-confirmed remix version played in a video teaser snippet shared earlier this week. Instead of a synth-pop club jam, the sisters take listeners back to the emotional "You Ruin Me" vibe by revealing the peaks and valleys of a rocky relationship on the somber piano ballad. Using their rousing yet vulnerable vocal performances, the artists heighten the drama and need to come clean about past struggles.

   The third official taste of The Veronicas' upcoming album pulls back the covers on reckless actions taken during a relationship and the lifestyle changes that come with the realization of those mistakes. "The Only High" takes a simplistic turn in regards to supporting production, putting emphasis on the delicate piano keys and allowing the revealing songwriting and fragile delivery to make a lasting impact. It's a haunting, unfortunate affair that should resonate with many.

     While the early stages of a blossoming love were all about destructive decisions and consistent blackouts, over time the warm feelings shared between both parties was more important than any drug-induced celebration. “Waking up on the hardwood, it's your taste I remember, it was right cause it felt good, could've laid there forever,” the artists sings on the verse highlight. Though they are reminiscing on the fun times, they ultimate realize that love is the most powerful drug.
 
   It’s an intriguing comparison, to use situations of barfing in a cold shower or passing out on the floor to shed light on an ever-developing romance, but leave it to The Veronicas to make it sound endearing and sincere on “The Only High”. The sisters have never been shy about sharing personal information in their straightforward approach to songwriting. In fact, their music stands out from the crowded pop field for that very reason. Thankfully, they haven’t tweaked with a winning formula.

   While the previous two album singles had an infectious pop pep in their step, “The Only High” is raw, honest and refreshingly simplistic. While the artists painted a tragic love affair in the beginning, overcoming and abandoning certain behaviors for the better good seems to be the overall, touching message they maneuver through. Three different releases, three different stylistic approaches. It is clear that album number four will be a jack of all trades and talents.