Release Date Set for Helms Alee Debut

On August 5th, 2008, Hydra Head Records will release Night Terror, the debut full-length from Helms Alee.  Helms Alee features Ben Verellen (who has played in Harkonen, These Arms Are Snakes, and Roy) and Hozoji Matheson-Margullis (who also plays in Lozen).  Night Terror was recorded by Matt Bayles. 

Before the record is released, Helms Alee will head out on a West coast tour in July.  Upcoming dates…

June 28th - Tacoma, WA - Hell’s Kitchen (w/ Flipper)

July 16th - Arcata, CA - the Alibi

July 17th - Chico, CA - Cafe Coda

July 19th - Los Angeles, CA - Relax Bar

July 20th - San Diego, CA - Che Cafe

July 22nd - Eugene, OR - Samurai Duck

July 23rd - Portland, OR - Ash St.

Live, Helms Alee are heavy, intense, and melodic.  Go out and see them.

Popularity: 17%

My 10 favorite shows of 2007

Here it is, yet another year end list. Of the 110 shows I saw this year, I’ve decided these were my 10 favorite…

10. October 24th - Thurston Moore at Neumos. Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore touring in support of his second solo album, Trees Outside the Academy. To get an idea of what this show was like, imagine Sonic Youth playing acoustic guitars and violins.

9. March 24th - the Heavy Hearts at the Sunset. Read what the Seattle Weekly said about this show and what Three Imaginary Girls said about this show.

8. October 8th - Band of Horses at Easy Street Records (Queen Anne location). A special in-store performance for the midnight release of Cease to Begin. YouTube videos from the show here.

7. January 14th - Rob Dickinson at the Tractor. Former frontman of the Catherine Wheel on stage all by himself playing songs from his solo album as well as Catherine Wheel favorites.

6. September 1st - Tiny Vipers at Bumbershoot. A magical performance in the EMP Sky Church.

Popularity: 14%

Helms Alee at the Comet on 12/28 (tomorrow!)

This is a slow time of year for good shows, but tomorrow night at the Comet is a show that is not to be missed. Helms Alee is easily my favorite new band of 2007. They are loud, heavy and intense. They sound like sledgehammers in a thunderstorm, but still remain beautifully melodic.

Popularity: 14%

Names to Remember: The Heavy Hearts and Helms Alee

     Here are two bands to be on the lookout for when scanning through the club listings.  Both are excellent should not be missed.

Formerly Triple X Audio, the Heavy Hearts changed their sound and their name a little over a year ago.  Last fall they put out their debut EP on Swingline Records.  It’s full of angular guitar, chaotic vocals, pounding drums, and duel bass.  But where they really shine is on stage.  Their show at the Sunset on March 24th had local press buzzing.  The Seattle Weekly said, “…the Hearts hit the Sunset stage with enough energy to power all of Ballard, tearing through a 30-minute set like a pack of pit bulls going at a side of bloody beef”

Popularity: 11%