Those of us not in bands savor the gossip and the salacious stories when we hear of band members leaving.

We rarely consider the emotions of the remaining members. Do they mourn these losses like romantic break-ups? Do they yearn for the departed member the way they would long for a lost friend of family member? 

Musicians rarely open up and share these feelings. One High Five main man David Sauer is an exception. His band’s latest, Beardlip, out October 11th, was made during a mass exodus with David handling the bulk of the instrumentation (save for the drums), on rented gear in his home studio with some help from friends and local scene characters. On the album, David explores his experiences of enduring 5 lineup changes—a total of 20 members—over the course of only two records. Yet, by just listening to the imaginatively-arranged, arty, hood-laden music inherent in this collection, you feel like the indie-punk party will rage on, even if David is the last man standing. 

“Initially, I didn’t want to mention past band members, but I realize that it is part of my story,” David shares. “I think a lot of people can relate to wanting to be free of the approval of others, and the self-doubt that prohibits them from making a positive move forward in their lives.” 

One High Five doesn’t sugarcoat its truths, but it does sugarcoat its hooks. The Long Beach-based band counts as inspiration infectiously catchy tunesmiths such as Green Day, Reel Big Fish, Cake, and The Strokes, among others. Previously, band has issued a self-released debut album, a clutch of singles, and been featured on various compilation discs, films and commercial spots. One High Five has performed for crowds in living rooms, record shops, large venues and music festivals, including CMJ and Broke LA. 

Beardlip’s posits an intriguing duality of playful, almost unflinchingly, upbeat indie rock juxtaposed with heartfelt, honest, and literate lyrics. The album spans raved-up, neo-1960s garage rock, replete with organs and exuberant lead guitar (“Noismaker”); raucously catchy, indie rock with unexpected dynamic twists and turns (“Fast Food”); and personal reflection tucked away in quirky neo-new wave pop rock ( “Bones Of My Ancestors”). Among other terrain, the 12-song album also traverses stun-gun indie-funk, and artfully-warped rockabilly. Beardlip was mixed by Jonny Bell (Crystal Antlers, Hanni El Kathib), and mastered by Carl Saff (Sub Pop, Matador Records).