heavens-gate

Heaven's Gate released their debut LP (stream it), playing NYC tonight; Sweet Bulbs playing reunion show during CMJ

by Bill Pearis

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When sludgy NJ/Bushwick shoegazers Sweet Bulbs disintegrated two years ago or so, it spawned both Heaven’s Gate and then Butter the Children. Heaven’s Gate took some of their old band’s dreamy noise, but took it in a significantly different direction. Singer Jess Paps is much more of a belter, not unlike, say, Exene Cervenka. The group began playing to her strengths and Heaven’s Gate became more of punky rock band, while still using a lot of effects pedals. The band’s debut album, Transmuting, came out this week and is a terrific representation of what Heaven’s Gate have become — confident, hooky, and pretty damn kick-ass. You can stream the whole thing below.

Heaven’s Gate celebrate the release of Transmuting tonight (9/27) at Silent Barn with a strong undercard: LODRO, Blanche Blanche Blanche, and Extra Feeler.

Meanwhile, for those that still miss Sweet Bulbs, the band will be doing a one-off reunion during CMJ, happening at Silent Barn on October 18. The line-up’s pretty good over all, with Total Slacker, ADVAETA, Honduras, TANK, Slonk Donkerson and Haybaby. It’s an unofficial CMJ show (the flyer jokingly says it’s two dollars more with a badge) and more info is here.

Heaven’s Gate album stream below…

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