Reviews

Heavens is comprised of Matt Skiba from the Alkaline Trio and Josiah Steinbrick from the now defunct F-Minus. What these two bring to the table is an 11 song journey into depravity, loss, and regret. Skiba sculpts his lyrics like he has in the past with the Alkaline Trio and Steinbrick provides the instrumentation. What makes this album surprising is how Steinbrick managed to produce such an eclectic mix of sounds and themes for the album. The track Counting could have come off of Depeche Mode album. Skiba delivers his vocals in a lower than usual tone and matched with catchy guitar riffs; this marks the beginning of an album that goes against anything the two musicians have done before.  
 
The versatility of Skiba and Steinbrick can be showcased in the title track Patent Pending. The two combine for a very radio friendly track that has more of a poppy sound than anything else. Skiba’s distorted vocals and Steinbrick’s drum programming drive the song. Two more tracks that are a testament to Steinbrick’s talent as a producer can be heard on the instrumental track Doves which serves as a lead in to the track Another Night. Doves has an ambient feel to it, but when coupled with Skiba’s haunting opening lyrics to Another Night it serves as the two best tracks on the album.  
 
Heavens debut album can be compared to the sounds of Interpol, Sisters of Mercy, The Killers, and elements of She Wants Revenge. Skiba’s vocals with Heavens are used in a way to which they have never been used before. Steinbrick’s instrumentation and string arrangements throughout the album are really what make the album a solid work. Skiba will always come through with his lyricism and this album is no different. With a tour planned for the Fall and the album due in September, the future success of Heavens is limitless. This album is definitely worth picking up even if you are not familiar with the bands Alkaline Trio and F-Minus. Heavens can stand on its own and will serve as a measuring stick to all other releases that come from Skiba and Steinbrick.