Mister Heavenly

In 2010 three established figures from the indie landscape joined forces to create Mister Heavenly, a project that pairs an appreciation for 1950s rock and roll with a distinctly foreboding atmosphere. The lineup unites Ryan Kattner of Man Man, who records as Honus Honus, with Nicholas Thorburn of Islands and Joe Plummer, longtime drummer for both Modest Mouse and The Shins.

The resulting sound merges the buoyant spirit of early rock and doo wop with a darker mood, sparking quick interest through road dates alongside Passion Pit, on which Michael Cera sometimes appeared as touring bassist. After securing a deal with Sub Pop, the band delivered its first album, Out of Love, in late 2011.

Activity then ceased for several years while the members concentrated on other commitments. The trio reconvened in late 2017 to finish its second album, releasing Boxing the Moonlight that October through Polyvinyl.