It’s exceedingly rare that I’ll feature a record I myself am yet to be entirely sold on at Sleeping With Headphones, but this particular record, House of Heroes’ thematic rock opus The End is Not The End (yeah, ponder that one!) is an intriguing selection. Listening now, the reason I feel that I am yet to be sold is for one simple fact; it is a record that requires patience on behalf of the listener. It is a true selection of individual stories, each worthy of several reads in attempt to make thematic sense of the entire work. Given this, with my incessant need for instant gratification perhaps it is I who is to blame for not warming up to the record much sooner.

You see, the record itself boasts a number of positive attributes that many a band would covet; it is a loud record, brimming with soaring musicianship and sonic layers compounded not once, but several times over. Basically, if walls of sound are your cup of tea, welcome to the fucking castle that House of Heroes has built. Additionally, the production on the record is nothing short of amazing, continually providing the listener with rich textures and clean transitions throughout.

If anthem based rock n roll is what your little heart desires, then surely you will be more than satisfied with this effort.

The End is also an incredibly diverse sampling of pop/rock/pop/punk tunes, breaking the formulaic mold that many of their predecessors and contemporaries have remained mired in. Think Gatsbys American Dream sans Nic Newsham’s nasally delivery. The GAD comparison actually works on two fronts however, as a pseudo concept album The End is very reminiscent of, and just as admirable as, Gatsbys Volcano. In terms of diversity, not only is each track a sonic journey in its own right, the record clocks in just under the full hour mark. Like I said, it’s a lot of meat for one single bite.

Truthfully, this wouldn’t be the first time I had quickly turned my back on an artist or album, only later to mention that same band or album in the ranks of my personal favorites. Whether or not these particular circumstances progress in a similar fashion remains to be seen, but as this gradual warming trend continues I felt the need to challenge other listeners to give this record warranted listens. Part Gatsby’s American Dream (for the album’s undeniable technical appeal - songs that continually break down in overall structure only to be rebuilt in entirely different forms), part Fall Out Boy (for multi-layered pop songs with GINORMOUS hooks), House of Heroes might truly be worth all the effort. While whether or not the end is or isnt really the end, perhaps with this record we might not want it to be.

Check out the above track, “By Your Side,” which is arguably one of the record’s highlights. A little ballad of sorts (if Hey There, Delilah can be a hit, I see no reason why this couldn’t be), this track serves as a great midpoint for the entire record. After a listen or two, check out the video below for some great insight into the making of it. For a more rocking representation of the band I’d suggest checking out “Sooner or Later (You’ll Want it All).”

The End is Not The End is in stores today. Give it a shot.