by Kris Handel
Heaven's Just a Cloud is the first full length by Spirit Was, led by Nick Corbo (formerly of LVL UP), which finds itself in a whole new space to explore heavier avenues while maintaining a wonderful melodic ear. A bit of a departure from his previous work, this project allows a whole new universe for the listener to envelop themselves in, one that provides many rewards for doing so. Corbo's guitar-work is masterful in the quieter moments but he is also unafraid to dirty everything up and unleash torrents of heavy chords and dark textures in various manners. There are moments of almost 'found sound' ambience scattered throughout the record, used for reflection and peace in songs as well as playing with the atmosphere in magical ways.
"I Saw the Wheel" kicks off the record at one of its heaviest parts with dropped guitar tunings avalanching over Corbo's initially laid back vocals accentuated with help from Z Santos of Crying. Eventually the song absolutely explodes into a full on sonic attack of triggered kick drums, earth shattering guitars, and distortion while Corbo's vocals shred cataclysmically. "Olive Branch and Brown Dove" is a monumental workout that gives him some space to deliver wobbling guitar lines over rock steady bass and drums. There is a thick air that hangs over everything in this song, building and relenting magnificently. The use of space and little interjections of synths and cello pop up exactly when needed.
"Here Comes My Man" alternates between slow folkish pensivity and waves of crunchiness as Santos and Corbo's vocals once again mesh wonderfully. Here Corbo comes somewhat close to replicating some of the more melodic work of his previous band with a new twist that livens everything up before suddenly giving way to electronic hiss. "Golden Sound" combines the sweetness and power that is so readily apparent in his music with a swirling cloud of noise throughout, yet one that never threatens to fully take over. Corbo's methodic guitar playing carries a weight that is matched by harmonized vocals, shinning ever so brightly, carrying the song to truly higher purposes.
Spirit Was allows Corbo to show off multiple dimensions of his songwriting and ways of expressing himself through these pieces that weave together effortlessly. The versatility and craft that pulls this record in any direction it wants without losing itself is something to marvel at, adding to the power it possesses. The balance that’s achieved between tenderness and menace is perfect and the amount of time and care put into this project over the past few years clearly proves it’s worth. This is a well constructed and thought out debut that shows off what has made Corbo's past work so endearing, while also adding tricks learned along the way to help create a powerful artistic statement.