The Heavenly States

I'm always a little ashamed when I find out that a Bay Area band has been around for a while and yet I hadn't heard of them. It was kind of like that with The Heavenly States. When I got a press release announcing that their new EP Oui Camera Oui was coming out on April 19, I gave it a listen and was surprised to find out that even though their music isn't the type I'd listen to on a daily basis, I really enjoyed it.Oui Camera Oui is the EP follow-up to their 2008 album Dealyer, and was mixed by John Agnello (he's worked with Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady... get the similar-sound connection?). The EP is a seven-song collection of rock tunes, combining hints of southern/blues rock with fast drumming. The press released mentioned similarities to Modest Mouse, but I really could only hear it in their single "Model Son" -- none of the other songs did it for me. After my first listen, I instantly thought the EP sounded more like Band of Horses than anything else, if that helps you imagine their sound any better.The Heavenly States are offering Oui Camera Oui through a special preorder on this year's Record Store Day (April 16). Customers who preorder Oui Camera Oui, purchase the vinyl on April 16, or spend $10+ at their favorite record store on Record Store Day will receive a free ticket to see the band that very same night in San Francisco at The Red Devil Lounge. Pretty sweet deal, right?