The Superweaks

Better Heavens (2016)

RENALDO69

Bad Year was the EP that convinced me that The Weaks were worth the hype. Leveling up to The Superweaks more or less confirms this with Better Heavens finding the band in a better place. They're in a much more confident, reassured state of mind musically. Their music isn't just more versatile but there's an oomph to it, a distinct character, that I've always wanted to see. This record's all about them achieving their potential and breaking through the roof of what you probably confined them to.

Bands like Weezer, The Sidekicks and Superchunk come to mind based on their riffy, buzzy style of alt/indie rock. Power-pop at times, eclectic at others. "Better Heavens" and "Glowing" are prime examples of these upbeat, melancholy-laced tracks. However, what's at play here is their evolution and growth. The first half feels typical but the second half takes a totally different direction, starting with the sludgy guitars and Hum-like reverb on "Heavy Dreams." Very uncharacteristic but very appealing. "Sooner or Later" and "Oh God (We're All So Miserable Now)" help to take the edge off a bit but still end up feeling left-field with a synth-rock essence a la the Japandroids. Not a bad thing, at all.

I don't think they're paying homage to any influences, though. They just seem like they wanted to throw a ton of sounds at you, technically sound of course. The closing tracks amp things up even further with some quick, hazy, aggressive and dare I say, punk-styled jams, to emphasize how out-the-box the band went. "No Future" and "Come Home" absolutely deliver an epic finale, punctuating how The Superweaks knock this out the park. And more so, how they do so in style.