FOR FANS OF: Andy Black, Pearl Jam, My Chemical Romance
Hailing from household name My Chemical Romance, Frank Iero is no stranger to the rock scene. Heaven is a Place, This is a Place, released January 15, 2021, has been called the perfect addition to his previous album Barriers. Only four tracks span just shy of 20 minutes, and they take you everywhere from a journey back to ‘91 with a beautiful rendition of R.E.M.’s "Losing My Religion" to an almost blues-rock esque track like "Violence." Heaven is a Place, This is a Place, is a treat from front to back.
"This is a place, the earthly realm, miraculous on so many levels but also just a place. The difference is you and your perception."
On the origins of the EP, Iero said: "The title of the EP actually comes from the night before we started recording Barriers at Electrical Audio in Chicago. The band went out to eat and get drinks at a local Tiki bar called, Lost Lake. On the menu that night there was a drink called Heaven is a place/This is the place.”shares Iero on the meaning behind the EP title. “I love when the universe gives you gifts like that. You just have to be in tune to your surroundings. The name struck me as clever and I started to think about how changing one word in that title meant something way more profound to me. Heaven is a place, if you believe in that sort of thing…It is the reward at the end of a long hard journey of fighting the good fight and living your life to whatever standards you hold dear. But it’s just a place. And so is this…This is a place, the earthly realm, miraculous on so many levels but also just a place. The difference is you and your perception."
The record opens with "Violence," which instantly sets a fast paced tone with a driving guitar punctuated perfectly with percussion. After the intro, the song slows down to a lethargic tempo through the first chorus where Iero croons lyrics like "You got so down / I couldn’t get high" before you’re introduced to some perfectly crafted harmonies, and then slammed back into the chorus. It’s a violent transition, and one that reflects the back and forth emotion behind the song. Being both bound to someone (or something) and also having it tarnish you in the same breath presents it’s own unique whirlwind of emotional turmoil. This song not only captures that whirlwind lyrically, but in the way it’s presented musically as well.
“Sewerwolf” continues this punctuated motif of anger and frustration. The vocal range Iero presents in this relatively short EP is incredible. The first time I heard this song, I compared it to the feeling you get after you’ve had one extra shot and you’re suddenly brought face to face with memories you’d been able to dance around while sober. That spinny, quiet rage eventually explodes from Iero over the course of the first chorus and then throughout the back half of the song. His verbal prose is matched with this ebbing and flowing guitar that transforms from soft and somewhat gentle to a forceful power you can feel in your bones. I always get giddy when songs end on guitar feedback, so this was a welcome addition.
"...I’ll forever be wanting this rendition to play through the speakers while I drive myself down the highway with the window down on a late summer evening."
The rendition of “Losing My Religion” included on this album sounds like a clash between seeing the gates of heaven for the first time and something desperately trying its best to stay out of hell. The way Iero laces his rasping vocals with the delicate and angelic harmonies is a true work of art. This is a perfect example of the beauty laced through this collaboration, and truly brings out the best of everyone involved. While this song is a classic that I grew up singing in the back seat of an old, beat-down car while my father sat behind the wheel, I’ll forever be wanting this rendition to play through the speakers while I drive myself down the highway with the window down on a late summer evening.
The EP finishes with "Record Ender," which is a perfectly named piece not only for its position on the track list but for it’s explosive exit, middle, and beginning. What starts off with a gentle bass line explodes into this cacophony of sound that’s always raging. It’s a beautiful piece of music and highlights the musicianship of this ensemble in every way. This song sounds like an ending to a beautiful story, one that’s composed of hurt and heartbreak, but also one that’s full of wonder and excitement. It left me wanting more, but at the same time feeling completely satisfied and content with the way this quartet of songs on this EP wrapped up.
This musical masterpiece is an excellent display of Frank Iero’s complex and compelling range, both in terms of vocally as well as his and The Future Violents’ ability to fluidly dance through and around multiple genres. It’s a magnificent rendition of raw talent and reformed passion brandished into just four tracks and called an EP.
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