
Philadelphia’s ASkySoBlack makes a stunning debut into the full-length album arena with Touch Heaven, set for release on January 31, 2025, via New Morality Zine. Known for their ability to meld nostalgic 90s alternative with the fiery aggression of early 2000s emo, the band—comprised of vocalist and guitarist Jordan Shteif, drummer Alec Martin, bassist Norman Staley, and guitarist Liam Coombe—delivers an 11-track exploration of heartbreak, guilt, and the intricacies of emotional turmoil.
Touch Heaven is a masterclass in balancing melody with chaos. The band’s evolution is palpable; the album feels more introspective and mature than their previous EPs, What Is Yet to Come? (2021) and Autumn in the Water (2022). Lyrically, Shteif opens a window into his soul, chronicling the disintegration of a decade-long relationship with brutal honesty. Tracks like “I Wish I Was Not” and the album closer “Sore For You” resonate deeply, their haunting lyrics carried by a sound that alternates between lush atmospherics and abrasive crescendos.
The production, handled by Adam Chichoki (gatherers, Soul Blind) at Timber Studios, brings out every nuance of the band’s layered instrumentation. The dense, cascading guitars of “Boy Like a Bruise” echo the best of bands such as Deftones and Hum, while the thunderous drumming on “Did It All Wrong” channels Glassjaw's unrelenting energy. Yet, even in their heaviest moments, ASkySoBlack maintains a melodic sensibility that feels uniquely their own.
Standout Tracks:
“Portrait In Private” – A standout in both songwriting and arrangement, this track slowly builds from subdued melancholy to a cathartic, soaring climax. It perfectly encapsulates the album's theme of vulnerability turned defiance.
“Carousel House” – This song embodies the band's "anti-shoegaze" ethos, blending shimmering guitar lines with jagged vocal delivery. Its bittersweet tone is both comforting and unsettling.
“Every Heart Needs Some Mileage” – A much slower, contemplative piece that highlights Shteif’s vocal fragility, paired with subtle instrumentation that feels like a warm embrace.
While Touch Heaven retains the DNA of ASkySoBlack’s earlier works, it trades some of their raw edge for greater refinement and emotional depth. The record’s themes—loss, longing, and the failure to change—are universally relatable, but their delivery feels personal and intimate. Shteif’s voice carries a weight that feels lived-in, turning every lyric into a confessional.
Despite its heavy subject matter, the album also offers moments of hope. Tracks like “Hold Me Holy” hint at redemption, with lyrics that suggest an acceptance of imperfection and the possibility of moving forward.
ASkySoBlack’s Touch Heaven is more than just a debut—it’s a statement. The band proves they are not afraid to bare their vulnerabilities, nor do they shy away from experimenting with their sound. By balancing aggressive post-hardcore tendencies with expansive, melancholic textures, they’ve crafted a record that feels timeless yet immediate.
This album firmly places ASkySoBlack in the upper echelon of modern alternative music, setting the stage for what promises to be a long and impactful career. Whether you’re a fan of Smashing Pumpkins’ grandeur, Deftones’ atmosphere, or Glassjaw’s intensity, Touch Heaven is an essential listen.
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