If you’re wondering if Strand of Oaks mastermind Tim Showalter missed touring last year, then he gives you a hint within the opening lines of his seventh album In Heaven. “I believe that ecstasy happens when we all get together,” he sings on “Galacticana.” “Standing right in front of me feeding off the energy together.” Showalter’s songs often have an anthemic quality to them, and “Galacticana” is no different—big hooks, soaring guitars—but there’s a darkness lurking. “I don’t mean to drag you down,” he sings, holding the drag for effect. Showalter has said that the song serves as a mission statement for In Heaven, the quest to find light in even the darkest of times. The album touches on the challenges of relocating from Philadelphia to Austin with his wife, Sue (“Easter”); getting sober (“Hurry”); and death (of both his mother-in-law and his beloved cat). Musically, it’s an upbeat, synth-heavy record with a pop sensibility (think a Springsteen-meets-Jeff Lynne sensibility), even if the subject matter can be dark. In Heaven builds on Strand of Oaks’ 2019 release Eraserland, which featured the members of My Morning Jacket (minus singer Jim James) as his backing band. Guitarist Carl Broemel and keyboardist Bo Koster return here, as does producer Kevin Ratterman, who plays drums. And Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha adds a shreddy riff and backing vocals to “Easter.” The ghost of John Prine is present on “Somewhere in Chicago:” “John’s on a walk somewhere in Chicago,” Showalter sings. “Losing our leaders/ Who you gonna follow?” On “Jimi & Stan,” Showalter imagines his late cat, Stan, hanging out at shows in the afterlife with Jimi Hendrix. Ultimately, he finds catharsis on “Sister Saturn,” a funky, groove-based rocker about letting go—and facing life head-on.