Search - Helio Sequence :: Keep Your Eyes Ahead

Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Helio Sequence
Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

For just two guys, the Helio Sequence can generate a serious racket. With the effusive drumming of Benjamin Weikel (who also plays keyboards), and the nimble use of effects pedals from guitarist/vocalist Brandon Summers, t...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Helio Sequence
Title: Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sub Pop
Release Date: 1/29/2008
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Style: Indie & Lo-Fi
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 098787070927, 098787070965

Synopsis

Amazon.com
For just two guys, the Helio Sequence can generate a serious racket. With the effusive drumming of Benjamin Weikel (who also plays keyboards), and the nimble use of effects pedals from guitarist/vocalist Brandon Summers, their 2000 debut Com Plex leaned toward My Bloody Valentine-like daydreamy noisescapes. Their output since then has evolved, with a deepening commitment to pop melody and structure. Keep Your Eyes Ahead is the truest expression so far of that trait. Summers maintains a grainy quality to his singing, but he's added sweetness and a lighter sense of tone. That shift toward lightness extends to the songwriting, which on Eyes is consistently catchy and focused. "Can't Say No" uses a double-time cadence in the verse to make the song's hook burst like the sun through a hurricane?s eye. Not that they?ve forgotten how to bring the shoegaze; "Hallelujah," for one, flies off into space on a wave of epic, bliss-fuzz guitar. Still, the record is short and cries out for one last big scream. Instead, they end with the whisper of "Broken Afternoon" and the folksy, Dylan-esque "No Regrets." Their increasing subtlety has cost them some grandeur, but their melodious gifts are more seductive than ever. --Matthew Cooke

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CD Reviews

Best Album Yet
Kid A | Seattle, WA | 01/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Indie rock fans will be missing out if they think they're too cool for The Helio Sequence's latest "Keep Your Eyes Ahead." And Helio Sequence fan boys (or girls) may be dissapointed if they expect another My Bloody Valentine and Beatles sound mix (search Young Effectuals if you miss Kevin Shields). The fact is that this Portland, OR duo is going to keep putting out original music, and the more they innovate, the better they get. I haven't heard an album that blends the elements of electronic so well with organic six string strumming. "Shed Your Love" on this album exemplifies this perfectly. The most catchy tracks on this album would have to be "Can't Say No" and "Keep Your Eyes" ahead. There's a degree of enlightened honesty to the lyrics of "Can't Say No" that begs people to start paying attention to the world around them. Are you indoctrinated by your country? Are you an indie rocker that's a slave to what's hip? The Helio Sequence asks you to think in the abstract and evaluate yourself. If you're daring enough to take this trip and love good music, buy this album. You won't regret it."
Wonderful, innovative, upbeat
A. Fabbri | seattle, wa USA | 02/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow I am really liking this new Helio Sequence album. They have kept it fresh by innovating some new sounds (unlike some bands that apply their formula and repeat).



One thing remains constant; the beats are wicked--I love the drummer's style and chops. (I also like the way he moves his head live--reminds me of Animal--but that's another story.)



The album starts out meloncholy and melodic with Lately--which slowly builds up towards the end. Next, Can't Say No is up beat and catchy. The rythym of the drums matched by some tight lyrics--this one could be a hit. The Captive Mind is the next track--still has a driving beat but is more introspective. You Can Come To Me starts out with some signature beeps and bleeps and blends in some slick acoustic guitar with less dominating beats.



Shed Your Love is acoustic, soft, devoid of drums. A lullaby.



Keep Your Eyes Ahead brings back the upbeat drums but adds a really beautiful guitar feel which reminds me of--I don't know--The Chameleons UK, the Cure, Joy Division, Pink Floyd and a dash of Coldplay. I have no idea really.



I could continue yapping about each tracks--but the point is that this is a very solid album--possibly their best work yet."
An Evolution
Kellan P. Stover | Savannah, GA | 02/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am one of those Helio Sequence fans that gained interest after hearing their third album, Love and Distance. It was their first Sub Pop album, and for that reason, the most accessible. I was aware that each successive album was a considerable change, but the leap from Love and Distance to Keep Your Eyes Ahead is rather large. I think Electronica is a staple of the band, and it seems as though it's been toned down a bit. There are still the blips and boops that one would expect ("You Can Come To Me"). At times, they sound downright Dylan-esque ("Shed Your Love", "Broken Afternoon"). It's a no-filler album that is perfectly paced, although a tad short.



Elitist fans who think a band shouldn't "fix what ain't broke" might shy away or hold back praise. But a band is allowed to change, and I feel as though they have found a more mature sound.



I love it."