The Philly based Post Hardcore band's 4th LP is at its best when it's loud and angry.
After listening to the album a couple times in passing since its release, I figured it was time to finally give 'I Got Heaven' the time it deserves and do a full on review. My thoughts on the album? Mostly that it's a bold, diverse record that, while it can be uneven, has some glistening high points. The Philly foursome show they aren't afraid to keep mixing things up throughout their 4th LP.
The title track, 'I Got Heaven', opens the record in fittingly intense fashion, delivering a tune that almost sounds akin to a more aggressive and angry Olivia Rodrigo. There is a barky, angsty and somewhat sassily delivered verse before giving way to a gazey and spacey chorus. It doesn't sound too much like most other songs on the record, but that in no way is a bad thing, and is kind of a theme throughout the record. Things are constantly changing and the tone of the record bends and shifts during the 10 track, 30 minute runtime.
'Loud Bark', possibly my favorite track on the album, serves as a nice smattering of everything the band has on offer. It's quiet, angry, harsh, spacey, and tight all at the same time. The main hook is also a big ear worm, and randomly will pop up in my head throughout my day now. Moments like that are when the record really shines and feels like an exciting and daring blend of genres and styles.
Things don't stay as fresh and exciting, and some of the more subtle and understated tracks can't really keep up with the pace of the driving, biting, angry tunes at play. It never feels like it's too messy or disorganized, but some tracks are definitely don't have the same excitement as others. Don't get me wrong, the good here outweighs the 'bad'. Even then the bad isn't truly bad, just...less interesting?
From a thematic standpoint, the record is full of songs about sex, aging, identity, and human connection. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but melodically and tone wise fit the record perfectly. The production is big, loud, and fuzzy. It maybe just slightly over compressed, but that mostly is just a taste thing to be honest.
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with 'I Got Heaven' and the overall theme and feel that it delivers. The high points are very high, and make for some of the most intense and biting post hardcore you'll hear. It might not always keep that forward momentum, but it never hurts the overall listening process. It's a pretty easy recommend from me!
Standout tracks: I Got Heaven, Loud Bark, Sometimes, OK? OK! OK? OK!, Of Her, Aching
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