Heaven Up Here by Echo & The Bunnymen: A Wild Ride Through New Wave Bliss
Alright, let’s talk about Heaven Up Here by Echo & The Bunnymen. Released in 1981, this album is a total gem that straddles the line between moody rock and shimmering new wave vibes. If you’re into indie rock with a dash of pop sensibility, this one’s for you. Plus, it’s got enough layers to keep things interesting—kinda like peeling an onion but way less tear-inducing.
The band’s lineup is solid gold: Ian McCulloch on vocals (and guitar, because why not?), Will Sergeant shredding lead guitar, Les Pattinson holding down the basslines, and Pete De Freitas keeping everything glued together on drums. Hugh Jones produced it, and honestly, his touch gives the record this atmospheric, almost cinematic feel. Shoutout to Martyn Atkins for the design too—it’s got that brooding aesthetic that matches the music perfectly.
Now, onto the tracks. There are some real standouts here, but two songs stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk: “All My Colours” and “Heaven Up Here.”
“All My Colours” kicks off the album with this hypnotic groove that feels like walking through fog at dawn. McCulloch’s voice has this raw edge, like he’s singing from somewhere deep inside himself. And Will Sergeant? Dude just rips on guitar without ever overdoing it. It’s catchy as hell but still mysterious—you wanna figure out what he’s saying, y’know?
Then there’s the title track, “Heaven Up Here.” This one hits different. It starts slow and builds into this swirling crescendo that feels like your emotions are being stretched across the sky. The rhythm section—Pattinson and De Freitas—is tight, locking in so well it’s almost scary. By the time McCulloch belts out those final lines, you’re either vibing hard or questioning all your life choices. Either way, it works.
What makes Heaven Up Here special isn’t just its sound—it’s how it makes you feel. Listening to it feels like stepping into another world, one where shadows dance and colors shift unpredictably. Sure, it came out ages ago, but it doesn’t feel dated. Maybe that’s because we’ve all had moments when life feels chaotic yet beautiful, kinda like this album.
Fun fact: this thing dropped in multiple countries—Spain, France, South Africa, the US, Portugal—and somehow managed to resonate everywhere. Labels like WEA and Sire clearly knew they had something unique on their hands.
So yeah, if you haven’t spun Heaven Up Here yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. Just don’t blame me if you end up lost in thought halfway through. Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: imagine Brian Griffin’s photography paired with Leslie Penny’s woodwind skills. Weird combo, right? But hey, maybe that’s what makes great art—putting odd pieces together and seeing what sticks.
