Mannequin Pussy’s latest album, I Got Heaven, is a thunderous, heart-wrenching, and transformative addition to their discography. Since their formation, the Philadelphia-based band has built a reputation for their fearless sound—a potent mix of punk fury, shoegaze haze, and cathartic indie rock—and this record amplifies everything fans have come to love about them. From the opening riff to the final fade-out, I Got Heaven is an unapologetic exploration of identity, loss, love, and empowerment.
Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, the album manages to feel both expansive and intimate, offering moments of blistering intensity alongside quiet, introspective interludes. It’s the kind of record that leaves you breathless, eager to start it over as soon as it ends.
A Roaring Start: Setting the Tone
The album opens with its title track, “I Got Heaven,” a blazing anthem that wastes no time in setting the stage. The distorted guitars roar to life, paired with a relentless drumbeat and lead singer Marisa Dabice’s commanding voice. Dabice sings with a raw ferocity, delivering lines like “If I can’t find heaven, I’ll build it my own way” with a mix of defiance and determination. It’s a declaration of self-reliance and resilience that resonates deeply, especially in a world where so many are searching for solace.
This track is quintessential Mannequin Pussy: unfiltered, emotional, and musically gripping. The layers of sound are intricate yet chaotic, with shoegaze-inspired walls of guitar blending seamlessly with punk energy. It’s a track that demands to be played at full volume, an instant classic in the band’s catalog.
Lyrical Depth and Emotional Honesty
One of the defining features of I Got Heaven is its lyrical depth. Dabice has always been a gifted storyteller, capable of weaving personal experiences into universal themes, and this album takes her writing to new heights.
On “Burning Wreckage,” she confronts the aftermath of a toxic relationship, singing, “We built a home on fault lines, now I’m sifting through the ashes.” The song’s slow build mirrors the emotional journey from devastation to self-discovery, culminating in a cathartic chorus that feels both heartbreaking and empowering.
“Still Standing,” another standout track, explores themes of perseverance and self-worth. Over a driving rhythm and shimmering guitar lines, Dabice proclaims, “They tried to break me, but I’m still standing tall.” It’s a triumphant moment that encapsulates the album’s overarching message: finding strength in vulnerability.
Dynamic Soundscapes: A Genre-Blending Triumph
Musically, I Got Heaven is a masterclass in blending genres. While the band’s punk roots remain front and center, they effortlessly incorporate elements of shoegaze, grunge, and indie rock, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
“Silver Lining” is a prime example of this sonic diversity. The track begins with a dreamy, reverb-soaked intro before exploding into a raucous, guitar-driven chorus. The juxtaposition of soft and heavy elements mirrors the song’s themes of hope and despair, making it one of the album’s most memorable moments.
Meanwhile, “Euphoria” leans heavily into shoegaze territory, with swirling guitars and ethereal vocals creating an almost hypnotic effect. The track feels like floating in a dream, offering a moment of respite amidst the album’s more intense offerings.
Even in its heaviest moments, I Got Heaven never feels one-dimensional. The band’s ability to seamlessly shift between quiet introspection and full-blown chaos is a testament to their musical prowess and chemistry.
A Spotlight on Dabice’s Vocals
Marisa Dabice’s vocal performance on I Got Heaven is nothing short of extraordinary. Her voice is a force of nature, capable of shifting from a whisper to a scream with effortless precision. She imbues every lyric with emotion, whether it’s anger, heartbreak, or hope.
On “Heavy Heart,” Dabice delivers one of her most vulnerable performances to date. Over a sparse acoustic arrangement, she sings about loss and longing with a rawness that’s deeply affecting. Her voice cracks with emotion, making every word feel achingly real.
In contrast, “Riot Queen” sees Dabice unleashing her full vocal power, commanding attention with a ferocious energy that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a track that showcases her range and reminds listeners why she’s one of the most compelling vocalists in modern rock.
Themes of Resistance and Reclamation
At its core, I Got Heaven is an album about resistance and reclamation. Whether it’s reclaiming personal agency, fighting against societal norms, or finding light in the darkness, the album is a testament to the power of perseverance.
“Battle Cry” is a rallying anthem that captures this spirit perfectly. With its driving rhythm and defiant lyrics, the song feels like a call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt marginalized or silenced. Dabice’s delivery is electrifying, her voice rising above the chaos like a beacon of hope.
Even quieter tracks like “Tender Bruises” carry a sense of resilience. The song’s delicate melody and introspective lyrics might feel subdued, but there’s an undercurrent of strength that runs through it, reminding listeners that healing is a form of rebellion.
The Power of Collaboration
While Dabice is undoubtedly the heart of Mannequin Pussy, the contributions of bandmates Colins “Bear” Regisford (bass) and Kaleen Reading (drums) cannot be overstated. Their chemistry is palpable throughout I Got Heaven, with each member bringing their unique strengths to the table.
Regisford’s basslines are particularly noteworthy, adding depth and groove to tracks like “Darker Days” and “Electric Light.” Meanwhile, Reading’s drumming is a driving force, providing the album with its relentless energy and dynamic shifts. Together, the trio creates a sound that feels greater than the sum of its parts.
Production That Amplifies the Emotion
Produced by Will Yip, a longtime collaborator and one of the most sought-after producers in the indie and punk scenes, I Got Heaven benefits from a polished yet raw production style. Yip’s touch is evident in the album’s balance of chaos and clarity, with every instrument given room to shine without overpowering the others.
The layering of guitars, in particular, is a highlight. From the shimmering textures of “Euphoria” to the crushing riffs of “Riot Queen,” the guitar work is intricate and emotive, adding depth to the album’s sonic palette.
A Triumphant Closing Chapter
The album closes with “Afterglow,” a sprawling, emotional finale that encapsulates everything I Got Heaven stands for. The track begins with a gentle, almost meditative intro before building into a powerful crescendo. Dabice’s voice soars above the instrumentation, delivering a final message of hope and resilience: “Even in the afterglow, there’s light to guide us home.”
As the final notes fade, listeners are left with a sense of catharsis, a feeling that they’ve been on a journey and come out the other side stronger. It’s a fitting end to an album that’s as much about healing as it is about struggle.
Final Thoughts
Mannequin Pussy’s I Got Heaven is a triumph on every level. It’s a record that balances raw emotion with technical brilliance, offering a listening experience that’s as cathartic as it is exhilarating. With its fearless exploration of identity, resilience, and the human condition, the album cements the band’s place as one of the most vital voices in modern rock.
For fans of punk, shoegaze, or anyone who craves music that speaks to the soul, I Got Heaven is a must-listen. It’s an album that demands your attention, refuses to let go, and leaves you feeling both wrecked and renewed. In a word, it’s heavenly.
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