[rating=4.00]
.jpg)
You wonder what comparisons The Hold Steady are more sick of now – the Bruce Springsteen ones or the "best bar band in America" ones. With their fifth album Heaven is Forever, both tags have lost as much weight as guitarist Tad Kubler’s pant size. Sure, The Hold Steady are a great band and even a better “bar” one, but that label is now tired, as Heaven is Whenever holds more depth than the “Chip Ahoys” and “Constructive Summers" of album’s past.
While the rocking lead single “Hurricane J” could match as a b-side from Stay Positive or Boys and Girls in America, Heaven opens up with new territory on the soft reflective "The Sweet Part of the City.” And while the word “kick-ass” may not pop immediately, instead its “good-for them,” as The Hold Steady were due to evolve in order to stay creatively sane.
On this effort, we see front-man Craig Finn flexing his vocals (“The Weekenders,” “The Sweet Part of The City”) into more of a melodic singer aide from that of a belligerent story-teller. And while the stories themselves revolve around similar topics of yore –girls, parties, beer and reminiscing about adolescence – Finn digs a bit deeper, as he told Rolling Stone – “I was thinking about struggle and reward – and how the struggle is part of the reward.”
Kubler still provides the muscular power guitar riffs The Hold Steady are renowned for ("Hurricane J", "Rock Problems"), but with the departure of keyboard player Franz Nicolay – the songs come off mature, alas gloomier. And while “The Smidge” rocks hard with cowbell and greasy guitars and “Our Whole Lives” is a fire-starter that can make last call last one more song, the band hasn’t lost their rocking know how. But The Hold Steady are best when they keep it simple and Heaven Is Whenever has proven that for some rock bands– a creative peak is actually attainable in your late 30’s.
