Heavens: Patentpending

Herald rating: * * * *

You could say Matt Skiba (from dark pop-punks Alkaline Trio) and Josiah Steinbrick (from southern Californian punk outfit F-Minus) are two years too late releasing an album of modern post-punk music. The bones of Patentpending were recorded in 2004 and if they had released it then it would have been perfect, considering the impact at that time of bands like Interpol, Bloc Party and the Editors.

But due to commitments in their other bands the pair didn't finish it until early this year, and it doesn't matter because Patentpending is a crisp and solid album. It is also sombre and sad (take the lush strings and forlornness of Heather), and Skiba has a droning and grave voice. But rather than sounding cold and steely, he shimmers and swoons on the beautiful Dead End Girl, and then gets playful on the title track which is propelled to a climax as they both put their foot down. They also show some venom on the fuming second track, Counting.

The pair's punk rock ethic means the music is not style over substance. It also means Heavens are less dour than bands like Interpol and have a broader appeal. Let's hope they can juggle their main band duties so as to make the most of this excellent side project.

Label: Shock