Mister Heavenly - Out Of Love

Given Mister Heavenly’s all-star background, it’s unlikely that they’re in it for the larger scheme of things. Money or notoriety? That’s hardly the case. With members from The Shins, Modest Mouse, Man Man, The Unicorns and Islands, ‘Out Of Love’ sees them winding back and having a right old time.

The result is an album which sounds nothing like the trio’s usual affairs. Opener ‘Bronx Sniper’ might be an explosive mix of jagged guitars and distorted garage rock but it doesn’t represent the LP’s true nature. The album revolves around their self-dubbed “doom wop”. As a result, the record verges on self-parody through its grunge and 50’s doo wop combo. However, the three-piece approach ‘Out Of Love’ with so much confidence, its effortless and charming appeal far exceeds the time period it has set itself in.

The infectiously flamboyant ‘I Am A Hologram’ somehow manages to combine an upbeat Interpol-esque bass line, with a piano ending not too distant from Slade’s ‘Cum On Feel The Noize.’ ‘Charylne’s cheerfully chiming guitars and swinging pianos replicate doo wop’s catchiness perfectly. It’s a wonderful set up to ‘Diddy Eyes’ and ‘Harm You’s mesmerising guitar sweeps - the latter not feeling out of place in the sexier moments of a Tarantino flick.

Still, it’s ‘Pineapple Girl’ which reveals ‘Out Of Love’s true character. The exchange between Nick Thorburn’s lucid voice and Ryan Kattner’s sandy boom regarding a pen pal relationship amplifies the albums already charismatic nature. Those familiar with Thorburn’s work with the Unicorns and Human Highway will be accustomed to his exchanging dynamics between band mates. His partnership with Kattner is just as engaging. Their trades during ‘Pineapple Girl’ and the equally rambunctious ‘Mister Heavenly’ are ‘Out Of Love’s most captivating moments.

It’s disappointing then that come the filler like ‘Reggae Pie’ – with false fade out/fade in ending – there’s a lack of similar charm from previous tracks. The disorganised ‘Doom Wop’ – sounding nothing like its title – is rather pointless too. But these are only tiny faults. The bigger fault is – being a side project – we may never hear something as good as this again when they part ways.