***HI-STANDARD started pumping out their own brand of eclectic melodic hardcore pop-punk way back in 1991. From the very beginning they have been a driving force in the Japanese underground music scene. Since their debut Fat release Growing Up in 1996, they have been a Fat Wreck staple. Their following two albums Angry Fist and Making the Road catapulted the band’s popularity to incredible heights (especially in Japan where they are referred to as “The Japanese Beatles”. No, really…) In 2001 we all thought we had seen the last of Hi-Standard with their abrupt hiatus after the release of Love Is a Battlefield. But over the last few years we’ve seen a resurgence that has the Hi-Standard name bigger than ever with massive sold out shows all over Japan, including the headlining slot at the Fat Wrecked for 25 Years festival in Tokyo. Now Hi-Standard is back with their first new material in 15 years! Another Starting Line proves the band has not lost a step in the last decade and a half, and their trademark vigor is just as predominant as ever. (STREET DATE - 5/05/2017)