After a decade of breaks, various projects, and newfound popularity through TikTok, Superheaven has finally released their self-titled album, expanding their signature fuzzed-out riffs to new sonic heights.
“About time,” guitarist and vocalist Jake Clarke remarked prior to the album’s launch.
The long-anticipated third studio album, consisting of 10 tracks, marks a significant evolution for Superheaven since their inception nearly two decades ago in the Philadelphia suburbs.
The band consciously embraced a DIY approach for the new record, with Clarke and drummer Zach Robbins managing the engineering at The Metal Shop, aided by longtime producer and collaborator Will Yip handling vocal mixes.
“We wanted to turn the knobs and make things sound a little wider and express ourselves through what’s coming through the speakers,” Clarke explained.
Without time constraints in the studio, the band enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere, focused on vibing and listening intently to their work.
The majority of the album was penned and recorded over a five-month span from December 2023 to April 2024.
Guitarist and vocalist Taylor Madison admitted to struggling with patience and called the wait for the album’s release “torture.”
“The time in between making something and being able to release that something or for other people to experience the thing that you made is pretty excruciating for me,” Madison stated.
Fans have eagerly awaited a follow-up to the band’s 2015 release, Ours Is Chrome.
After extensive touring to promote that album, the band took an extended hiatus.
Madison suggested that burnout partly fueled this break, particularly after feeling immense pressure to produce a worthy successor to their debut album, Jar, which came out in 2013.
“I think this happens to so many bands; you get a little interest on your first record and then you think that your second record is the most important thing in the world and you cannot fuck it up,” Madison reflected.
He noted that while he appreciates much of Ours Is Chrome, the band found themselves weighed down by high expectations during its creation.
“You can’t force people to like your band; it takes time,” Clarke added.
He emphasized that with their style of music, listeners often need to develop an emotional connection to the album before feeling encouraged to attend live performances.
During their hiatus, Madison and Clarke formed a side project called Webbed Wing, concentrating on crafting catchy rock riffs and rhythms reminiscent of the music that inspired them as kids.
“Having Webbed Wing and recording three LPs while Superheaven was inactive probably helped to keep the songwriting muscle a little exercised because I think I’m better at writing songs now than I was in 2015, for sure,” Madison expressed.
That creative prowess is evident throughout the self-titled album’s 31 minutes, particularly in the track “Cruel Times,” which delves into themes of letting go of the past and embracing future possibilities.
“I have just felt like this is the best record, in my opinion, objectively,” Madison shared.
“Not everyone will agree with that, but I just feel like we were the most confident writing this one.
We probably had the most fun making it, and I just feel pretty strongly that we just got better.”
Fans can expect to hear new material during their upcoming tour, including a scheduled performance at Union Transfer on May 16.
“Union Transfer is going to be awesome,” Clarke said.
He added, “That’s the best venue, not only in Philadelphia, but I think in the world.
It’s such a great vibe.”
With the release of their self-titled album, Superheaven is ready to embark on a new chapter, inviting both longtime fans and new listeners to experience their musical journey.
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