Superheaven: Genre-Defying Alt-Rock Resurgence
- J. Pla
- Feb 27
- 4 min read
Pennsylvania's Superheaven stands as a testament to the enduring power of '90s alternative rock while refusing simple categorization. With their self-titled third album landing this April after nearly a decade of silence, the band emerges from the shadows ready to reclaim their place.
While labeling Superheaven as a "grunge" act may be tempting, such reductive labeling sells short a band that's spent over 15 years crafting a sonic identity drawing from multiple wells of influence. As writer Kyle Anderson notes in "Accidental Revolution: The Story of Grunge," the genre itself remains "probably the most ill-defined genre of music in history" – making Superheaven's relationship to it all the more complex and fascinating.
What began in 2008 under the name Daylight has evolved into something that simultaneously honors its influences while pushing beyond them, creating a sound that feels both hauntingly familiar and refreshingly contemporary.
Artist Background
Formed in Lansdale, Pennsylvania in 2008, the band initially operated under the name Daylight, releasing three promising EPs between 2009 and 2012 that hinted at greater things to come. Their 2013 debut full-length "Jar" made an immediate impact, reaching #184 on the Billboard 200 and drawing critical acclaim for its dense, riff-centric approach.
An unexpected legal battle with a Spanish act using the same name forced the rechristening to Superheaven in 2014, just before the release of their sophomore effort "Ours Is Chrome" in May 2015. The lineup solidified around the dual guitar/vocal attack of Jake Clarke and Taylor Madison, with Zack Robbins joining on drums in 2012, replacing original drummer John Bowes.
After nearly a decade of silence, the band returns with their self-titled third album in April 2024, marking a significant evolution in their sound while maintaining the core elements that earned them a devoted following.
Musical Style and Influences
Superheaven's sound resists easy categorization, occupying that fertile ground where multiple alternative subgenres intersect. Their debut "Jar" channeled the spirit of early '90s Seattle with its drop-tuned guitars and brooding atmosphere, drawing immediate comparisons to Alice In Chains and Nirvana. Dark, dense, riff-based compositions topped with melancholic melodies defined their early approach.
"Ours is Chrome" saw the band expand their palette, incorporating brighter elements reminiscent of power pop and emo, occasionally evoking Weezer's fuzzed-out guitar crunch while maintaining their inherent heaviness. Tracks like "Room" and "Leach" returned to their grungier foundations, establishing a sonic pendulum the band continues to swing.
The singles from their upcoming self-titled release—"Cruel Times," "Numb to What Is Real," and "Long Gone"—suggest a further evolution toward alternative metal territory, drawing comparisons to the atmospheric heaviness of Deftones and the industrial-tinged approach of Filter, while Clarke's vocals retain their distinctive emo/post-hardcore inflections.
Lyrically, the band traffics in introspection and melancholy, exploring emotional pain from broken relationships and the suffering of loved ones. Their song "Youngest Daughter" (which experienced a resurgence on TikTok, accumulating nearly 140 million Spotify streams) delves into the helplessness of watching someone battle substance abuse, exemplifying their unflinching approach to difficult subject matter.
Discography
"Jar" (2013) introduced Superheaven to the world with a collection of songs that wore their '90s alternative influences proudly. The album's standout track "Life in a Jar" opens with a powerful riff clearly reminiscent of Alice in Chains' sludgy approach, immediately establishing the band's knack for crafting memorable, heavy hooks. The record represents a band with clear vision and purpose, confidently executing a sound that paid homage to their influences while avoiding mere pastiche.
"Ours is Chrome" (2015) expanded the band's sonic palette considerably, incorporating brighter tones and power-pop elements while maintaining their fundamental heaviness. This sophomore effort showed a band refusing to simply repeat the formula that brought them initial success, instead pushing at the boundaries of their established sound.
Their upcoming self-titled album (2024) appears poised to continue this evolution, with the released singles suggesting a band that has matured considerably during their decade away. With vocals displaying increased confidence and range, while instrumentally the band has incorporated new complexities without abandoning the fundamental elements of their identity.
The album was recorded and engineered by vocalist/guitarist Jake Clarke and drummer Zack Robbins, co-produced by longtime collaborator Will Yip (known for his work with Arctic Monkeys, Circa Survive, Skrillex, and Panic at the Disco). According to press materials, the 10-track collection sees them "pushing at their boundaries with a sense of pensive gloom."
Support tours across the United States and select European dates have been announced, potentially exposing the band to a wider audience than ever before.
What makes Superheaven particularly compelling is their refusal to be simply categorized. While the "grunge revival" label follows them like a shadow, their music reveals deeper dimensions upon repeated listening.
Their return feels particularly timely, as a new generation discovers the sounds of the '90s alternative explosion through streaming platforms and social media. Rather than simply rehashing those influences, Superheaven filters them through two decades of subsequent musical evolution, creating something that honors its roots while pushing forward into new territory.
Whether you call them grunge, alternative metal, or simply rock, Superheaven deserves your attention as they embark on this new chapter of their musical journey.
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