Peter Godwin

Images of Heaven is a fairly solid collection of '80s synth-pop, driven by texture as much as melody. Every instrument on the album is synthesized, which means it sounds a little dated, especially since the beats are regimented and mechanical. Nevertheless, Godwin has the nervous voice (slightly similar to David Byrne or Bryan Ferry) right for this material, and he can write a solid hook, especially on "Baby's in the Mountains," "The Dancer" and the title track. However, he's at his best on moody numbers like "Torch Songs for the Heroine" or his version of his old band Metro's "Criminal World," where the dance beat is subdued and the melodies are in minor keys, creating an eerie appeal. Those moments don't arrive often enough on Images of Heaven, and a few of the tracks are too stiff or slight to really register, but the record remains an interesting synth-pop artifact. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide