We expect that immediately after arriving at the concept of heaven - a post death locale of eternal bliss and joy - mankind began to work on achieving heaven on earth. We also expect that such efforts mostly result in failure, or at best somewhat satisfying temporary slices of "almost heaven". Of course, just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, everyone can judge for themselves whether they have grabbed a slice of almost heaven. For our part, we are here to announce that our little slice of heaven on earth has arrived in the form of the appropriately-named Highway to Heavenly, the new album from '90s indie pop darlings Heavenly.
It is the first Heavenly album in 30 years, but the members have been busy with other projects -- together and separately -- for much of the intervening years. There is much that is amazing, even magical, in the album. Instead of a nostalgia trip or a tentative venture to shake of the rust, Highway to Heavenly is manifestly of a band hitting full stride as if several album into a career on a sharp ascent. The performances are energetic and assured, the vocals by Amelia and Cathy are sweet and sassy, and there is strong thematic sense of clear-eyed perspective and wry humor. This is a band that can laugh at you, and laugh at themselves and their foibles even harder. While the band continues to flash its pop smarts, Heavenly also is quite clearly a rock band in this outing, and the album is stronger for it. Our favorite songs vary, but that reflects the overall strength of the offerings. We've included a selection of our current repeat plays below. This album earns a very strong recommendation, so we urge you to give it a listen.
Heavenly are Amelia Fletcher, Cathy Rogers, Peter Momtchiloff, Rob Pursey, and Ian Button. The album is out today in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Skep Wax Records.
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