Reviews:: The Heavenly States Delayer

Innocuous is probably a horrible word to filter through your mind when you listen to a record, especially because it isn't an degrading term. But it was the best way for me to describe The Heavenly States. At their best, this Oakland band writes catchy indie rockers. At their worst, their songs kind of sound like countless other bands. They are trying some good things; Genevieve Gargon's violin really add some depth to the tracks, and when the band gets going you get engaged in the listening process.

But it's songs like Make Up that are light enough to float by without distracting you that really define the record; you would never ask someone to turn off the record, but you wouldn't be surprised to hear the band sandwiched between a few other indie outfits on a rush hour rock station. Now, I don't want to give the impression that the band doesn't write good songs. The piano driven, huge chorused Morning Exercise and the guitar crunching (KEXP song of the day) Lost in the Light for example are instantly pleasing, but they also have a few that just kind of sputter.

Tracks like Sun Chase Moon and the folky Butterflies kind of derail the record after it worked so hard to gain momentum. The album quicksand makes it harder for the band to get you back involved with the record, as the jump from the delicate Roses to the garage rocking Pretty Life very drastic, but once the energy is back the band gets comfortable. The bar room dance floor, violin heavy Never Be Alright sounds great as it tries to revitalize the record.

Fans of indie rock - well, you won't find much to dismiss here (the album closer - The Race - is catchy and a strong finisher) but if you are looking for something a bit more challenging you might be left slightly underwhelmed by The Heavenly States latest efforts.

[MP3]:: Lost in the Light