“PROMINENCE” is the 2nd full length in as many years from Texas transplant John Pena. It was recorded/mixed in the same apartment(after a failed attempt to mix in a “real” studio) as last years TALENT over the first few months of 2013 after shelving a full length’s worth of songs for not being sonically or emotionally interesting enough.
Using Primitive Radio God’s “Standing Outside A Broken Telephone Booth With Money In My Hand” as a sonic touch point John built a new album from the ground up utilizing chopped/sampled drum breaks and, for the first time, some non laptop based keyed instruments(piano, mellotron) along with H.B. main stays classical guitar and steel drums. Live member Christian Barsi and Daniel Schlett of Strange Weather Studio both contributed keys to a few songs but the outcome is still a very solo sounding project.
Arrangements is where PROMINENCE shines. Managing to sound inventive and not quite like anything else with such a limited palette is a rare and commendable feat. From the slide guitar and pulsing nylon string samples of “Honest” to the flamingo call and deep kick combo of the 2nd half of “Complete” Heavenly Beat keeps the whole affair sounding fresh, interesting and natural.
Lyrically, PROMINENCE is not an escapist affair. It’s a very direct look into someone dealing with poor body image(Thin), infidelity(Honest) and emotional/physical/sexual recklessness(Prominence). It’s not asking or answering any questions. Just existing within itself, fully a where of it’s shortcomings
Familiar
Heavenly Beat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
so I can't think
about how I could
be on the wrong side
leave out, all the things I wanna say
cause you make me feel over familiar
maybe it's wrong to decide
what should be demonized
your thighs make me feel over familiar
sheer enough
so I can't think
speak of all the things I'd lay down
just so, I could plead my innocence
as you let me get over familiar
maybe it's wrong to decide
what should be demonized
repent, our flesh was never meant for this
yet still makes me feel over familiar
I've never not felt
like things should
have gone further
breathing you in
can't imagine
me harder
hands on your chest
there's some weight
to believe in
right on the cusp
of a moment
I'd live in
maybe it's wrong to decide
what should be demonized
repent, our flesh was never innocent
your thighs make me feel over familiar
In the song "Familiar" by Heavenly Beat, the singer reflects on a forbidden love affair. The opening lines express the desire to avoid thinking about the potential consequences of their actions, as they become increasingly caught up in the attraction. The singer describes feeling over familiar, which suggests that they recognize the potential danger of the relationship, but are unable to resist its pull. The chorus highlights this conflict, as the singer acknowledges that they feel guilty for demonizing their own desires. They struggle to reconcile their need for repentance with the intensity of their physical attraction to the other person. The lyrics imply that both parties are complicit in this affair, as the singer references "our flesh" and "you let me get over familiar."
The second verse echoes the first, as the singer again emphasizes their inability to resist the other person's appeal. They speak of wanting to plead their innocence, and suggest that their attraction to the other person is overwhelming. The final lines of the song express the singer's reluctance to give up this relationship, as they describe the physical sensations and emotional weight of being near the other person.
Overall, "Familiar" explores the complex feelings and conflicting desires that arise in a forbidden love affair. The singer recognizes the potential for harm, but is unable or unwilling to let go of their attraction to the other person.
Line by Line Meaning
sheer enough
The feeling of being overwhelmed prevents me from thinking rationally.
so I can't think
My emotions are so intense that I am unable to focus on anything else.
about how I could
Reflecting on how the situation could have been different if certain choices were made.
be on the wrong side
Feeling uncertain about whether my actions are morally right or wrong.
leave out, all the things I wanna say
Choosing not to express feelings and emotions due to fear of vulnerability or rejection.
cause you make me feel over familiar
Feeling an intense connection with someone that feels almost too familiar or comfortable.
maybe it's wrong to decide
Questioning the validity of my own choices and decisions.
what should be demonized
Considering whether certain behaviors or thoughts are inherently sinful or wrong.
repent, our flesh was never innocent
Acknowledging that human beings are imperfect and prone to making mistakes or giving into temptation.
your thighs make me feel over familiar
Expressing physical attraction and desire towards someone that feels almost too comfortable or familiar.
speak of all the things I'd lay down
Expressing a willingness to sacrifice and compromise in order to maintain a relationship or connection with someone.
just so, I could plead my innocence
Having a desire to be seen as innocent or blameless in a specific situation.
as you let me get over familiar
Feeling enabled to act in a way that is comfortable or familiar due to the actions or behavior of someone else.
I've never not felt
Expressing a consistent feeling or emotion that has remained constant over time.
like things should
Desiring a certain outcome or result that may not be realistic or attainable.
have gone further
Wishing that a relationship or connection had progressed further than it currently has.
breathing you in
Experiencing intense physical and emotional sensations when in close proximity to someone else.
can't imagine
Feeling unable to picture or imagine a certain scenario or situation.
me harder
Desiring a more intense emotional or physical connection with someone else.
hands on your chest
Describing a physical action or contact with another person as an expression of intimacy or connection.
there's some weight
Feeling a sense of importance, significance, or responsibility in a specific situation or relationship.
to believe in
Having faith in the ability for a specific outcome or result to come to fruition.
right on the cusp
Describing a moment or period of time as being on the edge of a significant change or transition.
of a moment
Referring to a specific and significant point in time or experience.
I'd live in
Expressing a desire to remain present and engaged in a specific moment or period of time.
maybe it's wrong to decide
Expressing uncertainty and doubt about the validity and correctness of one's own decisions.
what should be demonized
Questioning whether certain behaviors or thoughts should be seen as morally wrong or sinful.
repent, our flesh was never innocent
Acknowledging that human beings have a flawed and imperfect nature that is prone to sin and temptation.
your thighs make me feel over familiar
Expressing intense physical attraction towards someone that feels almost too familiar or comfortable.
Contributed by Leah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.