Scott Avett noted that the lyrics reflect how choices become more limited as one gets older, dictated by past commitments and hard-earned lessons.
Released in June 2019 as the lead single for their album Closer Than Together , "High Steppin'" represents a bold, experimental pivot for The Avett Brothers. While the band is traditionally rooted in acoustic folk and Americana, this track blends their signature strings with pulsating 1980s-style synths and a spoken-word interlude, creating a sonic landscape that is both catchy and intentionally jarring. Musical Composition and Contrast
The video transitions from a lonely country road to a vibrant line-dancing flash mob featuring the Purple Charlotte Steppers Club , emphasizing the band's desire to mix the "fatal" with the "playful". The Avett Brothers - High Steppin
Halfway through, the music shifts into a dramatic monologue about the "warfare" of daily life and the relentless march of time.
🚀 "High Steppin'" serves as a mission statement for the Closer Than Together era, signaling the band’s shift toward more personal and socially conscious storytelling while refusing to be pinned down by a single musical genre. Scott Avett noted that the lyrics reflect how
The song begins with a driving, upbeat tempo that Scott Avett describes as a deliberate contrast to its weightier themes. It features:
A "funky synth vibe" layered with traditional fiddle and banjo, bridging the gap between their old-school folk roots and modern pop experimentation. Musical Composition and Contrast The video transitions from
Scott and Seth Avett share lead vocals, maintaining the brotherly harmony that has defined their nearly two-decade career. Lyrical Themes: Mortality and Choice