Portland, Orgeon has achieved a reputation for being the place to be seen for wannabe indie stars in America. Already home to the likes of The Shins, Modest Mouse and The Dandy Warhols, The Helio Sequence are one of the less “known” names, yet after hearing their new album for the first time I was immediately struck by the heart of the record and its original melodic structures.
‘Lately’ not only sets the high standard for great songs but also gives witness to a fantastic widescreen production where guitars shimmer, some light electronica bubbles away whilst Brandon Summers’ throaty warble all help to deliver an opening full of colour and beauty. Impressively, The Helio Sequence only lose momentum right at the end of the record. In between, the dramatic ‘Can’t Say No’, ‘Hallelujah’ and the title track deliver on big, emotive choruses which emphasise their commercial potential.
Another point that struck me is that there are only two core members to the group yet the sound they make is huge. Along with guitarist/vocalist Summers’, there is just keyboard player and drummer Benjamin Weikel who is credited. Yet despite their obvious ambition, the duo also understand the need for space as well as melodrama. To this end, ‘Shed Your Love’ is a lovelorn spine-tingling number that sounds as desolate as the Australian desert. Meanwhile, ‘Back To This’ is pure class; some bouncy yet understated beats, smooth synths and glistening guitar shapes complement a dreamlike tune. In fact, they only lose their way for the drunken Americana of ’No Regrets’. Otherwise, ‘Keep Your Eyes Ahead’ is one of the most deeply satisfying albums of the year.
Web Sites:
The Helio Sequence MySpace
The Helio Sequence Official Site
Further Listening:
The Great Depression, Argentine
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