Heavenly Beat - "Prominence"

Artist: Heavenly Beat

Album: Prominence

Label: Captured Tracks

Release Date: October 14^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

“Prominence,” the sophomore release from John Pena a.k.a. Heavenly Beat is essentially the first album revisited all over again. Some may deem it a dead on sequel to 2012’s “Talent.” Since the first album was a pleasant surprise it’s not all that alarming this one is too. Moreover this was also a complete departure from the previous band (Beach Fossils) he was a part of. The tropical pop resonance with daydream lyrics is a fitting fall season release. The lulling arrangements may alleviate some past wounds one may still have. While I mentioned the album feels identical to the first record, it goes a bit deeper. Pena is more comfortable in his own skin now and it shows with his lyrical abilities. The music here is a bit morose, but he’s able to liven things up from time to time.  Another key component to Pena’s signature sound is the grouping of sounds that stem from popular music of other countries. However, “Prominence” lacks variety, which makes it the experience a bit stale toward the end of its 9-track run. The songs are better played throughout a mix CD, popping up periodically, instead of listening the record track by track.

The echoed low voice of Pena is extremely calming. With his proclivity for electronic beats, lush, and layered melodies, Pena is a masterful composer of pop-orientated songs. At the same token, most songs blend together, making it rather difficult to differentiate the tracks. I’m a fan of Pena’s work, but I find myself bored with the album as it comes to a halt. It’s less than 35 minutes in length, but feels greater since most songs have overlapping sounds. Heavenly Beat creates a very ethereal atmosphere from beginning to end. The record sort of glides throughout, but could be due to the lack of diversity. With nearly every song sounding overwhelming similar to the next, the record never takes a much-needed detour. One of the better tracks here is, “Expectation.” Sure it’s not a whole lot different than the other songs, but Pena’s voice is a lot clearer here. The lyrically gloomy tune displays words such as, “I wanted that and so much more/won’t accept that I lost out/it hurts to think that all I’ve felt was only leading me nowhere.” Overall, it breathes such beauty and warmth. “Forever” is another highlight that has Pena painfully reciting the lines, “can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel awful,” and “it’s so hard believing there’s nothing more I could do/forever’s a long time to spend hurting for you.” The man’s sensitivity shines throughout even if sometimes it appears more on the doom and gloom side.

“Prominence,” is a decent record that puts on display a musician with many talents. However, it would be great to see (and hear) what Pena can do beyond this sound he’s cultivated over the span of two albums. I will say his music doesn’t sound like any other American musician since the influences span different cultures. While I applaud his creativity, I can’t say that I was utterly enamored by this experience. There are things to appreciate with “Prominence,” however becoming completely stimulated by it may not be the case. Heavenly Beat has a lot of potential but with “Prominence” it’s only shown in small doses. Not bad by any means, just kind of substandard seeing how Pena has a lot going for him artistically.

Grade: 6.5 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Honest,” “Forever,” “Expectation”