Photo: Christina Dieu
Hailing from Oakland, Houses of Heaven boasts a dynamic palette of sound that masterfully blends the melodic undertones of post-punk with the raw intensity of early industrial music, enriched by the vibrant rhythms of EBM, techno, and drum & bass. This eclectic mix crafts a contrast that elegantly oscillates between the textured emotional landscapes of human experiences and meticulous electronic structures. The band’s forthcoming second LP, “Within/Without,” slated for release on April 26th through Felte, amplifies this intricate balance. With Matia Simovich of INHALT’s sophisticated electronic production at the helm, the album gains further depth from the standout guest vocals of Douglas McCarthy of Nitzer Ebb and Mariana Saldaña, propelling the project to new heights with their seasoned contributions.
The title track Within/Without solidifies Houses of Heaven’s unique sound, a fusion of electronic, industrial, psychedelic, and shoegaze influences, crafting a dynamic blend of discord and harmony that deeply resonates with the human experience. The song serves as a bridge between the internal and external, navigating through the visceral complexities of emotion and the relentless pace of modern life.
We are guided the ethereal realm of dreams, juxtaposing the ease of imaginative creation with the harsh reality of existential decay. Through vivid imagery—of disintegrating totems, sacrificial rites, and celestial bodies suffused with pain—Within/Without meditates on the cyclical nature of rebirth and demise. It’s a poignant reflection on loss, the struggle for identity, and the ineffable beauty of the cosmos…even as it bleeds into the abyss. Amidst a world marred by technological overload and emotional detachment, the song pulses with a kind of urgent paranoia, yet offers a mantra for resilience: to breathe in dreams once more and shake off the weight of the world.
The visualizer was created by Cloaking:
Houses of Heaven consists of Keven Tecon, who lends his voice while also maneuvering synthesizers, guitars, and drum programming; Adam Beck, an adept at both synths and guitars with a hand in drum programming; and Rachel Travers, who anchors the trio with her percussive talents. They recently showcased their distinct blend of sounds at the Substance Festival in Los Angeles.
Within/Without, out 26 April through Felte, explores a contrast between the fantasy worlds and unfiltered truths that define modern survival, and a yearning for genuine human connection brought on by the anxiety and isolation of technology.
Pre-Order the album here
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