Mister Heavenly: Out Of Love

Mister Heavenly
Out Of Love
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: This is not your grandparents doo-wop!

Album Review:
I am sure you don't know the band name Mister Heavenly but you might know the players, as the group is comprised of Nick Thorburn (Islands/The Unicorns), Ryan Kattner (Man Man) and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse, Shins). This talented indie group brings forward the 1950s R&B vocal-based sounds of classic Doo-wop groups like The Platters, The Turbans and The Moonglows into 2011 with an interesting sway and swagger that is quite unique. It is a concept that could have went absolutely awful but the trio totally pulls off an album that is engaging, fun and memorable. Mister Heavenly accomplishes this feat by injecting a little dark grit into each tune, like on the grinding opener "Bronx Sniper" that literally gets your pulse going, while yet the band still shows the ability to pull back and have fun such as on the foot tapping "Reggae Pie". Out Of Love really wins when the group pushes the envelope and turns song structures upside down, which "Harm You" fully represents, as the group vocals come off retro, the majority of the track is mellow and then Thorburn's vocals slap you in the face with strength. At other times, sticking too close to the 50's vibe may receive a yawn like on the strolling "Your Girl" that feels too simple all the way around. Overall, Mister Heavenly give you an entertaining 36 minutes of unrivaled music that screams indie and is much different than anything out there currently. It is an album that maintains its individualism from beginning to end and is perfect for past Unicorns fans. The simple bottom line on Mister Heavenly is that the record is pretty good and Out Of Love should be given a spin!

Key Tracks: "Harm You", "Bronx Sniper", "Pineapple Girl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Suckers
Yeasayer
Nurses

Mister Heavenly Website
Mister Heavenly Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony