Heavy grooving riffs and soft subdued melodies both come packed together in the latest four-track EP from Frank Iero and the Future Violents – Heaven is a Place, This is a Place. Recorded at the same time as their 2019 debut Barriers, this EP proves to be the perfect addition and companion piece to the full-length record. 

Having been guitarist and frontman for a multitude of bands, lead singer and guitarist Frank Iero is no stranger to drawing from a diverse range of influences. Iero has been known to consistently switch members, band names, and sounds from project to project, and his work with the Future Violents has proven to be no different. 

Although Heaven is a Place, This is a Place explores lyrical themes similar to their 2019 album Barriers, the way the four tracks are divided is distinctly different from the aforementioned album. The EP is split in half both musically and lyrically, with the first two songs being a burst of energy and aggression while the last two take on a more mellow and reflective tone.

“Violence”, the EP’s opening track, immediately grabs the attention of listeners with its isolated guitar intro before introducing a heavy drum beat. Iero’s vocal delivery is packed full of rawness and angst as he screams, “Your violence feels like kisses to me, your silence makes it harder to breathe.” The bridge breaks into an intense, melodic riff that diverts from the rest of the song, completely changing its pace. Laced throughout the track, singer Kayleigh Goldworthy’s quiet vocals perfectly juxtapose Iero’s rougher tone, symbolic of the EP’s differing sides. A chorus of layered vocals builds up just before the song finishes.

“Sewerwolf”, the EP’s second track, shares the same passion and aggression of Violence. The track’s energy is bolstered through witty and confident lyrics like, “I'm graced by disgrace, I put rats in their place. They're barkin' like dogs while we're howling like wolves” and “I live by the sword and I'll die by my word.” Iero’s screams are brash, but fit perfectly over the muddy groove created by the song’s bass and guitar. “Sewerwolf” boasts a raging chorus, and contains even more fittingly harsh screams from Iero.

In stark contrast to the two opening tracks, the EP’s aggression seems to melt away with a cover of R.E.M.’s classic “Losing My Religion”. This stripped-down melodic track is driven only by mandolin, acoustic guitar, and soft percussion, which further highlights the dreamlike combination of Iero and Goldsworthy’s vocals.  

Continuing the soft vibe of the previous song, the EP’s aptly named “Record Ender” serves as a perfect closer. This final six-minute track is grandiose yet mellow and opens with nostalgic guitar tones reminiscent of songs from one of Iero’s earliest bands, Pencey Prep. Emotional and reflective, “Record Ender” is a sentimental track that brings the EP full-circle.

Overall, Heaven is a Place, This is a Place is a brilliant showcase of The Future Violents’ diversity and ability to seamlessly combine a wide range of influences. Screaming vocals, catchy riffs and melodies, as well as witty and contemplative lyrics all play a role in these tracks, ensuring that any music lover will find something special within this EP.

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