The High Freqs — the Fort Wayne alt rock quintet of guitarist/vocalist Adam Baker, guitarist/vocalist Topher Beyer, vocalist/keyboardist Amy Laatsch, bassist Chris Olry, and drummer Isaiah Laatsch — are ready to make their proper debut. 

Dropping their first single back in 2023 with the song “Norfolk Way,” this high-energy band have been giving us hints and previews of what their full-length debut would be like, especially with last year’s Kairos EP. But now the wait is over. Catharsis has arrived.

Over the course of 11 tracks, The High Freqs give us buzzing psychedelic swirls, piano-driven pomp and circumstance, dusty jangly folk rock, and anthemic road trip rock n’ roll. And thanks to three vocalists, there’s plenty of soaring harmonies and tasteful production sheen that give the album just the right amount of high fidelity.

Catharsis is the musical equivalent of a rock n’ roll buffet. It’s got a little bit of everything, from ’90s alt rock to classic rock swagger to folksy jangle, and even a piano ballad thrown in for good measure. These five musicians bring all their musical superpowers to the table, forming this Voltron-like indie rock giant that wants to rock you and make you feel something in that bitter, jaded heart of yours.

There’s plenty to dig into here. Want some jangly indie pop via Wilco or The Decemberists? “Sign on the Windshield” has you covered. Tasteful fiddle coalesces nicely with vocal harmonies giving us something like the Jayhawks jamming with Son Volt. There’s even a killer instrumental jam in the title track “Catharsis” with loads of soaring guitar leads and big, bombastic drums.

Amy Laatsch takes the lead in the humorous yet catchy “Why I Suck,” piano-led with some lap steel guitar in there for good measure. “Letter to My Son” has plenty of heart and soul, while “Work It Out” rings with a touch of urgency.

The High Freqs have finally given us their proper full-length debut. Folks, Catharsis was worth the wait.