As someone who used to be an absolutely enormous fan and follower of Hydra Head Records, I've honestly really lost interest in the vast majority of their releases in recent years. However, they still drop some true gems from time to time, and "Night Terror", the debut full-length from Seattle's Helms Alee, is just one of those outstanding efforts (also available on LP from Robotic Empire). Something about this album just seemed like it would be good, so I set it aside to check out a few weeks ago, and I wish I hadn't slept on it for so long, 'cause I'm totally loving it. With 10 tracks in a well-focused 36 minutes, the trio covers a hell of a lot of ground, from chunky power chords and oddball "math metal" time signatures to hypnotically pulsing rhythms and loads of lush melodies contrasted by dry, jangly guitar textures that explore more of a quirky indie rock sort of vibe—all accented by the occasional presence of some oddly spacey effects and massively fuzzed-out basslines, not to mention a multi-vocal approach that covers a decent range of shouting/yelling and a little bit of singing, too. There's also some "psychedelic grit" and "western-ish drugged out drone jams" in there (as cited by Robotic Empire), which might sound a little funky, but really does make sense once you give this stuff a listen. The recording is impeccable and really highlights the texture and space, lending plenty of breathing room to all of the subtle intricacies that help to make this such a unique listen, but make no mistake, because the songwriting's fucking great as well. Very cool. This is an awesome album, and I'm already looking forward to hearing more. Well done...
Helms Alee "Grandfather Claws"
Helms Alee "Big Spider"
Get It
Hydra Head Records (CD)
Robotic Empire (LP)
Interpunk (CD/LP)
RevHQ (CD/LP)
Amazon.com (mp3)
Comments
the vocals are really what push this one over the edge for me, otherwise it’d be yet another slightly better-than-average tedious heavy mid-tempo rock record. for as many bands as there are in this genre, it’s amazing how few of them ever decide to anything interesting vocally.
10.8.2008 | By Avi
Yeah, this is a great album. I was never really into Harkonen so I wasn’t expecting much from this. Pleasantly surprised.
10.8.2008 | By manisthebastard
this is one of the few records lately i listen to by itself all the way through. i concur the vocals are what push this over the top. can’t recommend this enough.
10.9.2008 | By ben
I originally didn’t “get” this record at all…Now these clips have me reconsidering a little, though I’ve heard other bands do this kind of thing better. A defunct Boston outfit called Eyes Like Knives comes to mind.
10.9.2008 | By Invisible Oranges
Nice! For some reason, this reminds me A LOT of The Pixies. Maybe it’s just the dual female/male vocals. In any case, it reminds me of the Pixies in a good way, so thanks for the recommendation—I’ll have to pick this up.
10.9.2008 | By Trogdor
Very good band, though much more crushing live than on record. Awesome drums and nice people to boot.
10.17.2008 | By Justin