Headspace is the second full-length studio album by American metalcore band Issues. Released on May 20, 2016 on Rise Records, the band recruited Kris Crummett once more to produce the album. It is their final studio album to feature original member and unclean vocalist Michael Bohn before his departure in January 2018, and is their first release since the departure of keyboardist and disc jockeyTyler "Scout" Acord, despite his involvement performing synthesizers and production on the album. The album showcases the group's experimental approach to their signature metalcore-contemporary R&B hybrid sound, exploring elements of nu metal, pop, hip hop and funk. The album was supported by three singles; "The Realest", "COMA" and "Home Soon". In support of the album, the group toured with Volumes, from September to November 2017. They also performed on the Vans Warped Tour in 2016 and 2018.
Background and recording
Issues began recording the album on January 23, 2015, and discussed a hopefulness in an exciting change in sound. Ty "Scout" Acord left the band, as an official member, a month before album's recording was done, however continued to record the album with the band. Recording sessions for the album concluded on August 13, 2015.
Reception
Upon its release, the album has received generally positive reviews. The record has largely been seen as an improvement over their self-titled record, most notably the guitar work has been stepped up utilizing jazz chords, more lead riffs, and choppy syncopated rhythms. Reviewers also showed their appreciation for a new mix of genres the band has tampered with including country, jazz, funk and rap. "Blue Wall", regarded as one of the heaviest song on the album, features vocals from guitarist A.J. Rebollo. Carter rapped a significant amount of lyrics on songs "Flojo", "Blue Wall", and "Someone Who Does". The vocal dynamic between Bohn and Carter has been the center of attention, because Bohn had not taken clean vocal duties prior to Headspace. Praising the album, Michelle Beck for Revival Media said, "Headspace is a mish-mash masterpiece of genres and one huge step forward in Issues' development as a band. You can clearly hear both lyrically and musically how much the band have matured in the two years since the release of their self titled album." Jack Appleby of Alternative Press commended Carter and Bohn's vocal progression from their first album, going on to say that, "...Carter's hook might be the obvious spotlight, but Bohn's feisty verses set the foundation in a fresh way. Suddenly the band are accessible while maintaining heavy tendencies thanks to two strong personalities on the mics."
