Style
Although classed as a 'punk rock' band, lyrically they were not angry or politically charged like many other punk bands. Many songs were about meeting a new girl, lost love, or the transition from teenage years to adulthood. The song "Teenagers are all assholes" from their final LP "Making the road" talks about how there is no justification for violence, with lyrics such as "Don't torment your friends and neighbors/Someday you'll see you are small/There is no good reason to assault somebody/If you wanna beat someone/Beat yourself". Musically they were very similar to many other popular punk-rock bands that were big in the 90's, such as NOFX, Millencolin and The Vandals; most of their songs were very fast and catchy, with a few slower songs scattered here and there. "Making the road" was probably their most musically diverse release, featuring some very fast, hard songs (Just Rock, Crows) mixed in with slower songs (Endless Trip, Dear my Friends) and even a gentle piccolo-driven instrumental (Tinkerbell Hates Goatees). The band was considered to be very talented musically, with the fast, tight, powerful drumming and creative guitar work often standing out.
Hiatus
After recording five albums, the band entered a hiatus in August of 2000, shortly after playing "Air Jam 2000". Ken Yokoyama began working on other projects, including BBQ Chickens and Ken Band, which is now simply known as Ken Yokoyama. Yokoyama revisited the bands original label Pizza of Death Records, which has since signed many punk and alternative rock bands. Akihiro Nanba's newest project is Ultra Brain. According to CDJapan, Nanba proclaims their debut album, Neo Punk, to be the birth of neo-punk [1]. Akira Tsuneoka now provides the drums for the group, Cubismo Grafico. Although the band has never officially called it quits, as time goes on it is looking more and more unlikely that they will play together again, especially now that each member has gone on to different projects. However, fans still hope to one day see a reunion show.
Discography
Growing Up (1996) Fat Wreck Chords
Angry Fist (1997) Fat Wreck Chords
Making the Road (1999) Fat Wreck Chords
Love Is a Battlefield (EP) (2001) Fat Wreck Chords
Last of Sunny Day (2000) Japan.
The full-length Last of Sunny Day contains songs from their prior releases and original songs. The band have an additional single "The Kids are Alright" available only in Japan
Hi-Standard perform punk covers of American songs "California Dreamin'", "Green Acres", Have you ever seen the rain?" and "Fools Rush In"
Maximum Overdrive
Hi-Standard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't stop you even with a sedative.
You got a means, you got a way.
You don't carewhat may come out of it.
Start up more positive.
Start up more emotional.
Start up never mind other eyes.
Start up the time has come.
Start up stamp your feet hard.
You can do everything now,
With maximum overdrive.
You were a coward who shut yourself up.
But you changed beyond recognition.
You found a reason, you found a dream.
You don't care what may come out of it.
Nice life more pleasure.
Nice life more freedom.
Nice life always keep on going.
Nice life are you ready now?
Nice life starting the show.
Nice life shake your head hard.
You can do everything now, with maximum overdrive.
Everybody has it in their mind.
Everybody has it in their head.
Everybody has it in their fist.
You only don't know how to use it.
Maximum Overdrive [repeat]
The lyrics of "Maximum Overdrive" by Hi-Standard explore the idea of the power of the human mind and how it can drive a person to reach their full potential. The first verse describes the overwhelming force of determination that can motivate someone to take action, even when sedated. It highlights the idea that when someone has a strong desire or motivation, they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, no matter the consequences. The chorus emphasizes the importance of embracing this inner drive to achieve success, with the lyrics encouraging the listener to start up, unleash their power, and embrace the concept of maximum overdrive.
The second verse shifts focus to the idea of personal transformation and the importance of finding a purpose in life. It suggests that even a coward can become an unstoppable force with the right motivation, and encourages the listener to take charge of their life and overcome any obstacles in their path. The chorus repeats the same message, emphasizing the power that lies within everyone and the importance of embracing it to succeed.
Overall, the lyrics of "Maximum Overdrive" are an uplifting call to action that encourages listeners to embrace their inner power and drive to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
How strong this impulse in your head,
The intense urge you feel inside your mind is overpowering and driving you to do something, even if it goes against logical judgment.
Can't stop you even with a sedative.
Even if you try to calm down or suppress the urge, it will still consume you, and you cannot resist its force.
You got a means, you got a way.
You have the ability and resources to act on your impulse and fulfill your desires.
You don't care what may come out of it.
You are not concerned with the consequences and risks that may arise from your actions, and you are willing to accept them.
Start up more positive.
Focus on the favorable outcomes and possibilities that can arise from your actions.
Start up more emotional.
Engage and express your feelings and emotions fully to channel your energy and drive towards your goal.
Start up never mind other eyes.
Do not let other people's opinions or judgment influence or discourage you from pursuing your desire.
Start up are you ready now?
Are you prepared and determined to take action and embark on this journey?
Start up the time has come.
The moment has arrived, and it is now or never. There is no turning back.
Start up stamp your feet hard.
Take a firm and assertive stance on your decision and commit to it wholeheartedly.
You can do everything now,
With the determination, means, and mindset, you have the potential and ability to achieve your goal.
With maximum overdrive.
With an unprecedented, unstoppable level of energy, drive, and determination that will propel you towards your goal.
You were a coward who shut yourself up.
You used to be afraid and hesitant to act on your desires, and you kept them suppressed within yourself.
But you changed beyond recognition.
You have undergone a transformation that fundamentally changed your outlook, behavior, and mindset.
You found a reason, you found a dream.
You discovered a purpose or motivation that drives you towards your goal, and it has become a source of inspiration and hope for you.
Nice life more pleasure.
A life filled with joy, happiness, and contentment that comes from fulfilling your desires.
Nice life more freedom.
A life that is liberated from restrictions and limitations, allowing you to act on your impulses and pursue your goals.
Nice life always keep on going.
A life filled with energy, vitality, and passion that keeps you motivated and focused on your goal.
Nice life are you ready now?
Are you mentally and emotionally prepared to embrace a life that comes with taking risks and pursuing your desires?
Nice life starting the show.
Embarking on a new chapter in your life that involves excitement, adventure, and fulfillment.
Nice life shake your head hard.
Embracing your desires and goals with vigor and enthusiasm while being unapologetically true to yourself.
Everybody has it in their mind.
Everyone has the capacity to feel and act on their desires and impulses.
Everybody has it in their head.
Everyone carries the seeds of passion, drive, and motivation within their mind and psyche.
Everybody has it in their fist.
Everyone has the power and ability to act on their desires and make them a reality if they commit to it.
You only don't know how to use it.
You are unaware of your potential and how to tap into it to realize your goals and desires.
Maximum Overdrive [repeat]
An exclamation of the unstoppable power, energy, and drive that can propel you towards your goals and fulfill your desires.
Contributed by Eva W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@paehasyim7476
How strong this impulse in your head,
can't stop you even with a sedative.
You got a means, you got a way.
You don't care what may come out of it.
Start up more positive.
Start up more emotional.
Start up never mind other eyes.
Start up are you ready now?
Start up the time has come.
Start up stamp your feet hard.
You can do everything now,
with maximum overdrive.
You were a coward who shut yourself up.
But you changed beyond recognition.
You found a reason, you found a dream.
You don't care what may come out of it.
Nice life more pleasure.
Nice life more freedom.
Nice life always keep on going.
Nice life are you ready now?
Nice life starting the show.
Nice life shake your head hard.
You can do everything now, with maximum overdrive.
Everybody has it in their mind.
Everybody has it in their head.
Everybody has it in their fist.
You only don't know how to use it.
Maximum Overdrive (repeat)
@tatsuhicky833
このイントロクソ好き
@user-vo9bl9jp7i
このPV狂おしいほどすこ
@user-en4ey5vn9k
最初のギター、ベースソロがやばい
@hokunn04
思い出に浸るっていいですね。高校時代。
@sven7308
I love Hi-Standard.
@takhuyaHiguchi
これメチャ好きだった！！
@user-zc1do4mc7i
エアジャムたのしみー
@SavageLynelButtPlug
This is awesome!
@kingcat8361
四十路の希望。
@abdurrahmanrifqiwibowo2249
Hi standard in 2020 maybe was really great🤘