Divided Heaven – Youngblood

When Jeff Berman’s (The Boils, Protagonist, The Rites, and The Statiks) acoustic solo project, Divided Heaven, made its initial splash with A Rival City, the name of the game was well intended disappointment.  Poor execution outweighed competent musicianship, and nagging flaws overshadowed the best moments.  But while some artists ignore criticism, Berman has taken heed of that disappointment and reworked Divided Heaven for the better.  Sophomore full length Youngblood admirably addresses every former disappointment while staying true to the type of music Berman set out to make.

Perhaps most significantly, this time around Divided Heaven has expanded from the limitations of being just Berman and his guitar by welcoming an entire backing band.  Songs like “Melissa Militia” project soft musical warmth akin to that of Matt Pryor’s most inviting solo outings (think May Day).  Berman’s vocal limitations become absorbed into the mix as he concedes some of the responsibility for weaving hooks to his instrumental companions.  Rather than feeling uptight and forced, Berman comes across far more relaxed, cushioning his naturally high pitch and reserving his wiry solo presence for moving minimalist outings like “Katieswar.” 

The biggest surprise though is just how catchy much of Youngblood plays.  From the forceful alternative chorus propelling “The Worst” and crisp emotional buildup of “Musser Park,” to the bounding energy propping up “Ego And Nothing More,” Divided Heaven stands at an apex of confidence.  Producers Charlie Stavish (Imagine Dragons, Ryan Adams) and Stephen Egerton (ALL, Descendents) might come from two different walks of life, but they clearly worked in harmony to bring out the very best in Berman track after track.

With no two songs sounding alike, Youngblood succeeds at grabbing listeners and sucking them in for twelve unique tracks.  Divided Heaven has undergone tremendous growth since Berman’s humble solo beginnings.  Now armed with just the right balance of personality, emotion and earthy hooks, Divided Heaven is ready for the audience it deserves.