The Hold Steady - Heaven Is Whenever

On Heaven Is Whenever, The Hold Steady's first album since the departure of keyboardist Franz Nicolay, singer/guitarist Craig Finn has noted in interviews what a departure it is from their previous releases. Although Finn is correct in that much of the album was written without piano or keyboard melodies, it's still the same Hold Steady fans know and love. Anthemic choruses and nostalgic lyrics can be found from start to finish, especially on standout tracks like "Our Whole Lives," "Rock Problems," and "Hurricane J." There are also some slower moments in addition to all the swagger, like the sweet alt-country twang of opener, "The Sweet Part Of The City," and the wistful acoustic guitars of "We Can Get Together." For the most part though, Heaven Is Whenever is a pretty safe new album from The Hold Steady. There are some enjoyable songs, sure, but it all feels very rehearsed and most of these tracks wouldn't sound out of place if you stuck them in the middle of a tracklist from one of their previous albums. Perhaps the album needs to grow on me more, but at this rate, I'd prefer to listen to any other Hold Steady album besides this one.

DOWNLOAD: The Hold Steady - Heaven Is Whenever (vinyl rip) [Vagrant]
Recommended Tracks: "Soft In The Center," "The Weekenders," "Hurricane J," "Barely Breathing."