“All We’ve Known of Heaven” by Soft Vein

At first blush, Justin Chamberlain, who records and releases music as Soft Vein, sounds like yet another one of the countless ’80s revivalists making music these days. His music certainly bears all of the sonic hallmarks, from the crisp programming and ghostly guitars to a proclivity for woozy saxophone. His earliest material, like 2022’s “Giveuptheghost,” even bore a goth aspect for good measure.

His latest single, however, uses those ’80s trappings for an introspective look at the human condition. “I have all that I want, I have nothing I need/It is killing you, it is killing me,” Chamberlain intones in a sing-speak that’s part Paul Buchanan and part David Byrne. Meanwhile, the song’s immaculate synth programming bounces along behind him, evoking the futuristic environs that we imagined 40 years ago. And yes, there is, indeed, a sax solo.

“All We’ve Known of Heaven” is currently available from Artoffact Records, and serves as a lead-up for his upcoming album, which will be released later this year.