Falling into a synth intro has to be one of my favorite ways to start a track, and the first track from the “Free World” EP, Destroyer, delivered. I am a sucker for cool electronic soundscapes, and Heaven’s Club seems to have it on lock.
Heaven’s Club is made up of two members; Shiv Mehra of Deafheaven, and Chris Natividad of Marbled Eye. This collaborative EP, “Free World,” was released at the end of February of this year, and like a ravenous consumer, I’m already looking for more from them.
Destroyer feels like a psychedelic-rock and dream-pop lovechild. It gives you the space to bask in the glittery instrumentation, but in no way neglects the misty and unique vocal tracks. It sets the stage for the 3-track EP, presenting you with a taste of atmospheric sonics that I could have on loop for eternity.
The second track, d(us)t, has no vocals present and proves you don’t need them to create a lasting emotional impression on the listener. I find that having this song wedged between Destroyer and the title track Free World makes the EP so much stronger and flavorful, like a metaphorical sandwich of sorts.
The final track (and title track) of this EP features a beautiful piano as our main point of focus, surrounded by a soothing electric guitar. The lyrics that stick with me the most are definitely the ones shared directly by the artist in their submission, “Free world is not so free to me, peace is not enough.”
As someone who is part of a marginalized group and living in the United States, I relate to this sentiment with my entire being. True and lasting peace cannot exist without accountability from the oppressor, reparations to the oppressed, and widespread systemic change across the globe.
This is a hugely important piece of art, and I urge you to listen to this 3-track EP as soon as humanly possible.
Written by Newt Fangs
