The Heavenly States - Black Comet

The Heavenly States' Black Comet sounds like ethnic rock from a nonexistent nation. Mixing strings in with the traditional band lineup can prove a dangerous decision. A violin can either tie a band to the deep south or the rolling hills of Ireland. However the Heavenly States have created a sound somewhere inbetween the two - right smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. That's right, Black Comet is a perfect case example of the Lost City of Atlantis rock and roll. Politically and socially charged lyrics barked out ala Archers of Loaf over a bed of supercharged indie rock, songs like "Look and Listen," "Black Comet" and "Vacant" grab you by the shirt collar and spit lines out inches away from your face with an unrelenting intensity. But like any good Atlantis rock record, it's not without its sweeter ballads. Songs "Borderline," "The Pale" and "The Witness" take the same intensity but shift it to a more drawn out and dramatic progression. The end result is a balanced record that leaves you feeling both exhausted and satisfied. But all comparisons aside, what's at the heart of Black Comet is a solid pop record. Taking from various inspirations and mixing with uptempo rythyms and shimmering melodies and riffs, The Heavenly States will have you hooked and baited right until you slide into the depths of the Atlantic. [www.theheavenlystates.com]