The Heavenly States
Issue #36
Delayer (Love Brand)
By Callye Morrissey
Published: August 1st, 2008 | 11:00am
The Heavenly State’s biography is just about as varied and full of interesting details as their third full length, Delayer. The Bay Area quartet are difficult to be pigeonholed into a specific genre but it’s safe to say they dabble in indie-pop, rock, alt-country, and an infinitesimal bit of folk. The husband-and-wife team of vocalist/guitarist Ted Nesseth and cellist-keyboardist Genevieve Gagon join forces with Gagon’s brother Jeremy on drums, and bassist Masanori Christianson to create an album that changes moods with each track. From the content indie-pop riffs of “Make Up,” to the ominous piano in “Sun Chase Moon,” the Heavenly States are masters at transforming the atmosphere with their songs.
The band first appeared on a split 7-inch with Coldplay and the Postal Service in 2003 — apparently after Coldplay front man Chris Martin became impressed with the band. The Heavenly States can also rightfully make the claim that they have done something no other band has done before. In 2005, they were the first American band to ever play in the North African dictatorship of Libya. Accomplishing this was certainly no small feat but they made it out in one piece. Known for their political rants — their 2005 King Epiphany EP listed the names of thousands of civilian Iraq War casualties — Heavenly States keep the obvious ranting at bay on Delayer. Standout tracks include “Make Up” and “The Race,” both songs where the band shine with their multi-layered instrumentation.
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conanneutron (over 2 years)
The Heavenly States are a bay area treasure. There is an excellent non-lp track recorded around the same time (and then updated) called: "A Man for Our Times" on the very excellent compilation record: "Karl Rove: Courage and Consequence" as well. Available for free download here: http://www.karlrovebook.net