My favorite part about Summer is the beach. I think most people would agree with me, especially living here in the Bay State. Just a bunch of friends, hanging out in the sand….cool breeze, cooler drinks, and good tunes. Most recently, my beach tunes have included Nova Scotia’s Heaven for Real. They have a new LP and tape out on Mint Records (just released this month!) titled “Kill Your Memory”. The honest, peppy pop rock contains enough wiry riffs and electronic samples to keep things mucho interesting and occasionally jarring as the band switches from straightforward alt jams to experimental arty breakdowns. Add some sing-a-long hooks and you have the makings for some perfect ear-worms. The kind you don’t mind waking up to every morning as you open your mind to a new day. In the vein of Boston psych-poppers Quilt, Heaven For Real sounds like your friends. They sound like the guy who brings the acoustic guitar to your campfire – but actually knows how to play it. Psych rock is a term thrown around liberally in the underground scenes all over North America these days but occasionally you get something which evolves; something that warps that somewhat generic, 60’s tinged sound into something more innovative, more elaborate…and that is what I hear in Heaven For Real.
What’s even better is that you don’t have to just listen – you can witness heaven for REAL (see what I did there?) on August 6th at Out of the Blue where the band is slated to stop on their current tour between gigs in NYC and New Brunswick, Canada. For those who flunked out of 8th grade Geography, that’s a TON of driving in a short amount of time…so make sure you come out and get these boys some gas money! Maybe pick up a copy of “Kill Your Memory” so you can take home a keepsake to play on your next beach day. They’ll be hanging with local Somerville singer-songwriter Kristina Stapelfeld who’s earnest, lo-fi pop demands your attention. This is music for sunsets; for warm Summer breezes; for long drives and camping trips; for kicking back. Won’t you come chill?
