Looking for a fresh new indie pop band to love? If you answered yes, you’re in luck because The Helio Sequence is a splash of spring in the middle of any wintry day you may be having. A blend of rhythmic guitars combined with electronic elements give this band a familiar profile with a unique signature waiting to be discovered.
While The Helio Sequence definitely posses a fresh batch of indie pop melodies, they are hardly a new addition to the pack. Formed in 1999, vocalist Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel signed to Sub Pop, the label that faithfully brings so many of your other favorite indie artists. Previous releases such as Com Plex and Love and Distance feature harmonica and raspy, breathy vocals with an overall sound that was distortion and reverb-heavy. This muffled sound resulted in a grungy, shoegaze vibe that didn’t seem to reach far enough for distinction.
In 2008, with the release of Keep Your Eyes Ahead, this band experienced an unexpected evolution of sound. Coming as the result of a vocal chord injury to Summers that forced him to re-learn how to sing, a cleaner singing style and stronger emphasis on the lyrics now drives the brighter melodies of their songs. Go enjoy a dose of Spring!
If you like: Rogue Wave, Band of Horses, The Shins, Stars
Check out: The Helio Sequence (start with Keep Your Eyes Ahead and graduate to their earlier sound with Love and Distance)
Feeling brave: M83, Wolf Parade, Department of Eagles, FauntsAI level: Beginner