{"id":7399,"date":"2015-09-14T16:20:15","date_gmt":"2015-09-14T16:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/album-review-the-wonder-years-no-closer-to\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T22:08:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:08:10","slug":"review-the-wonder-years-no-closer-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/review-the-wonder-years-no-closer-to\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: The Wonder Years – No Closer To Heaven"},"content":{"rendered":"

Writer\u2019s block can be a horrible thing. It can torture you for days, weeks, even months. Some people become defeated by it, others overcome it with mixed results. For The Wonder Year<\/a>s<\/b>\u2019 Dan Campbell and his band\u2019s latest album, \u2018No Closer To Heaven\u2019<\/i>, he has come out the other side with overwhelming results. Ever the consistent songwriter, ‘NCTH\u2019<\/i> marks the evolution of The Wonder Years<\/b>, one that breaks out of the pop-punk boundaries and expands on the lyrical sincerity of past efforts.<\/p>\n

From the opening rippling chord of ‘Brothers\u2019<\/i> it\u2019s clear that Campbell and company are going to take you on an emotionally crushing journey. This is defined by the potent, guilt-ridden line of \u201cwe\u2019re no saviours, if we can\u2019t save our brothers\u201d<\/i> giving way to ‘Cardinals\u2019<\/i>. Dominated Campbell\u2019s tale of regret and selfishness, the track kick-starts the album on an almighty high. It begs to be played repeatedly, with the aforementioned line transforming into one that is triumphant. <\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

Like on previous releases, Campbell\u2019s deeply personal lyrics dominate throughout, with the theme of near-death popping up throughout (see ‘A Song for Patsy Cline\u2019<\/i> and \u2018A Song for Ernest Hemingway\u2019<\/i>). Yet it\u2019s on ‘Cigarette & Saints\u2019<\/i> where they\u2019re perhaps their most heart-wrenching. Eased in by organs and Campbell\u2019s bitter and agonising voice, it glows in the chorus with ringing chords as Campbell bursts with an emotional release of guilt and grief. It defines the type of band The Wonder Years<\/b> are. One that is mature and introspective.<\/p>\n

Musically, tracks like ‘The Bluest Things on Earth\u2019<\/i> and ‘I Don\u2019t Like Who I Was Then\u2019<\/i> (with its lyrical nod to 80s indy wrestling – nice work) are vintage Wonder Years<\/b> with their lively approach. Their recognisable knack for pulling listeners in through pounding verses towards a big, euphoric release in the chorus is always pleasing to hear.<\/p>\n

The album peaks with ‘Stained Glass Ceilings\u2019<\/i>. Fuelled by bitterness and anger, Campbell questions, \u201cMaybe I could have done something?\u201d<\/i> as he venomously takes on the subject of being anchored in American society before letlive.\u2019s Jason Aalon Butler triumphantly bursts in a fully-fledged lyrical attack, redefining the track\u2019s emotional rawness (\u201cI am the ghetto\u2019s chosen one. The privileged bastard son.\u201d<\/i>)<\/p>\n

However, later tracks allow TWY<\/b> to show their musical growth. \u2018You in January\u2019<\/i> details a head-over-heels romance (\u201cYou were the one thing I got right\u201d<\/i>), \u2018Palm Reader\u2019<\/i> is uplifting and celebratory (\u201cI\u2019m gonna clear my throat and speak out, unafraid\u201d<\/i>) and the closing title track is a soft, reflective song that is lyrically crushing as Campbell considers himself a failure yet seems willing to improve himself.<\/p>\n

Without a doubt, this isn\u2019t a record packed with anxiety anthems that instantly jump out at you. It\u2019s a record that demands your full attention. Admittedly, at first it doesn\u2019t have a significant impact. Yet after a handful of listens, you start to appreciate and admire Campbell and company\u2019s direction. One that is bigger, focused, more dynamic and, at times, darker. Though there are moments of elation, it takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Its lyrical substance and range of subjects are thoroughly demanding yet rewarding.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, ‘No Closer To Heaven\u2019<\/i> sees a band continue to grow alongside its expanding fanbase. The Wonder Years<\/b> sound at home in their maturing skin. A skin that is defiant and optimistic simultaneously.<\/p>\n

4.5\/5<\/p>\n

‘No Closer To Heaven\u2019<\/i> by The Wonder Years<\/b> is out now on Hopeless Records<\/b>.<\/p>\n

The Wonder Years<\/b> links: Website<\/a>|Twitter<\/a>|Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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