Transmuting is the debut LP from Heaven’s Gate. There are echoes of bands like The Raincoats, My Bloody Valentine, and Wire, but Jess Paps (vocals), Michael Sheffiled (guitar), Alex Cvetovich (bass), Jack Wolf (guitar) and Patrick Stankard (drums) have created a frightening new energy. Raucous punk, polyrhythmic percussion, rich melodies and a wash of buzzsaw effects decorate each track...

Transmuting has a punky vibe to it and an energy that is hard not to applaud. The music is rich and layered and I defy you to not be mesmerised by the haunting wailing towards the end of 'Drone'.

This is an album that you can easily get lost in - and you'll get swept up in the energy as one track bleeds into the next, effortlessly.

If I had one complaint, it's that the album is over before its even really begun. It contains 11 tracks, representing just 26 minutes of music.

7

Nick Smithson