Beginning more than three years ago with two musicians and a grand vision, local band Sweethaven is climbing the barriers of the music industry trying to become "the next big thing."

Sweethaven presents a style of pop rock music with punk vocals, barbershop harmonies and screaming guitar solos. Band members say they have developed an original style.

"This is actually the first style I have enjoyed playing," said lead guitarist Gentry Lee. "It's got catchy melodies and it's got great lyrics."

Sweethaven recently became the first album on Halestorm Entertainment's new label, H records. Because of the new label, the band was able to release their self-titled album -- a project that took three years in the making.

"We love the music and we think everybody else is going to love the music too if they have the opportunity to hear it," Lee said. "So we're just trying to find out ways to get it into people's hands."

The album, which was officially released on September 14, is available in stores including Barnes and Noble, Borders, BYU Bookstore and Deseret Book.

Lee and lead singer/songwriter Matt Mattson started the band over three years ago. Mattson and another original band member were inspired to name the band after the movie "Popeye."

"Sweethaven is the name of the poor town where Popeye lands in search of his father," said Mattson, who has been greatly inspired by Harry Nillson, the man who wrote the score for the movie.

Mattson said he started writing silly songs during his junior year of high school to play at assemblies. It was during his mission that his songwriting took a serious turn.

"I like to address serious issues in a catchy way," Mattson said.

Over time, the group has expanded to include bassist Seth Wilks, rhythm guitarist Trevor Hill and drummer John Buckner. The five musicians have combined to create an up-beat sound that can be heard on the movie soundtracks for "The R.M." and "The Home Teachers", as well as on their new album.

"It's very intricate vocal harmonies, three-part four-part harmonies, and then a lot of guitars that are kind of going everywhere, and double solos and cool bass slaps and stuff, and the drum beat's awesome," Lee said.

The band members are more than enthusiastic about their music and the band's chemistry.

"We all got to be really good friends," Wilks said. "The music is just awesome and when we're on stage ... even if it's just us, we're still rockin' out and having a good time. It's all about our friendships and the music."

It is also about their success, band members say. They have endured plenty of work and practice and are ready to reap the rewards.

"Unbelievably, in almost four years we haven't played outside of Utah which is pretty dang frustrating," Lee said. "I don't know why that is but now that this album is out, it's gonna help get the word out about us."

"We have talked with Halestorm about a tour," Lee said. "They might help us do just a regional tour."

But the band, which now plays mainly in Provo and St. George, wants more than that. They receive e-mails from people all over the world who would like to see them.

"They've been as far away as Australia, Norway, we even got one from Italy and some kid from Alaska just a couple days ago," Wilks said. "Most of them have heard us from 'The R.M.' and they go to our Web site and contact us."

The band listens carefully to loyal fans and takes their requests seriously when planning Sweethaven's future goals.

"Hopefully with the album we'll be able to generate enough money that we will be able to go on tour," Wilks said.

The band remains optimistic about their potential success.

"We're just so positive that if someone hears the music, they're going to instantly love it," Lee said.

The band will be performing at Muse Music Thursday to promote their album in Provo.

They are planning to release their sophomore album early next year, which Mattson says will be better than the first.

"I feel as a songwriter I've grown and sharpened my skills," Mattson said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 22 Sep 2004