Spawned from the ashes of their previous bands, Maryland natives Blue Heaven have traded the pounding sound of hardcore and punk to become a more delicate and polished band. Bordering between jangle-pop and surf rock, there is a freeing, laid-back element to the record that settles nicely within the eardrums.
Opening the album is the melodic ‘Goodthings’. A song reflecting the patience to wait for opportunities and accomplishments when things aren’t exactly going well. Within the opening few bars the stage is set for the rest of the album. Feel good vibes with catchy hooks and tender harmonies.
Lead single, ‘Growing’ is the beating heart of the album – maybe not in rhythm but in message. The record as a whole is about savouring moments and taking lessons from them. Learning to recover from heartache, overcome regret and the unending passion. It’s a journey through the mind of frontman Levi Miller, a collection of thoughts and an insight into his inner turmoil over the two years it took to record and produce ‘Volume One’. In this instance, the single relates to playing the victim in a relationship that isn’t working until the realisation that it takes two to make it work. It’s a delightfully up-beat piece, distracting from the sombre content.
The standout track is second single, ‘Shade’. An ode to being in a relationship with someone as introverted and blue as you. How the ways you prop each other up and the simple things become the important things. How, inevitably, everything will be okay. In this day and age, the openness of discussions about male mental health is both important and refreshing. An emphatically powerful track with a romantic edge subtly interwoven into the lyrics. The delicate jangles of the hook give the track a gentle, positive feel, reflecting the empathetic meaning behind Miller’s sincere delivery.
If this truly is their first step away from the hardcore genre, then a congratulations is due. There are indeed elements that give away their origins, rolling drums and thudding basslines but they’re all so well hidden, it’s easy to assume all they’ve ever played is the polished surf-rock style within this record.
In truth, it took me a few listens to pick up on the depth within the record. Initially I passed it off as relatively uninspired and generic. It wasn’t until I stopped thinking about what it should be that it hit me for what it is and it started to bore into me. The juxtaposition of the jangling guitars and harmonies counter the pensive, sometimes profoundly melancholic lyrics. It’s an album that deserves a second listen. As once it starts to sink in and sits with you, the majesty of it envelopes you. Much like the central theme, it matures and grows on you. It’s a good thing.
ANDY JOICE