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Heavens, “Patent Pending”
Release Date: Sept. 12
Label: Epitaph / Ada
Just when you were hoping for the sequel to Alkaline Trio’s “Crimson,” Matt Skiba surprises us with his side project Heavens’ new album, “Patent Pending.” The new release combines Skiba, of Alkaline Trio, with housemate Josiah Steinbrick, an instrumentalist and arranger, formerly of the hardcore punk band F-Minus.
Although a first listen through “Patent Pending” may seem like a depressing attempt to impress Trio fans, the album sounds very little like the guys’ previous endeavors. “Patent Pending” includes punk undertones without the hardcore sound you may expect from these two. According to www.spin.com, they instead chose to draw influence from artists like Television and Brian Eno.
Skiba’s vocals seem to somehow fit perfectly with the arrangements provided by Steinbrick. The lyrics of the album still hold true to what you may expect from Skiba; “My knife wants to hide/deep inside of you.” Despite the punk vibe, love songs do exist within this album, in the form of “Heather” and “Another Night.”
The album opens up with a Trio vibe in the song “Gardens,” but as soon as the second track begins, that sound disperses and reminds you that you’re not listening to Alkaline Trio anymore, but something new, different and equally enjoyable. The title track serves as one of the most upbeat and catchy songs. “Leave” wraps up the record with a soothing and relaxing feel that really completes the experience.
Despite the short length of just over 40 minutes, “Patent Pending,” is a debut album you will definitely remember for years to come. Heavens has set their mark on the music scene. We can only hope that this will not be the last we hear from them.
-Amanda Maccabe
