Review: Helicon X Al Lover ‘Arise’
Formed in 2009 by brothers John-Paul Hughes and Gary Hughes, both on guitar/vocals, Helicon is a fascinating psych rock collective from East Kilbride, Glasgow.
The band quickly captured attention with their unique sound that reflects a wide range of influences and a strong commitment to creativity. Their music showcases a blend of styles that includes elements reminiscent of the Velvet Underground’s slow psych art rock and experimental kraut rock.
When I first heard their cover of Neu‘s Hallogallo, I was struck by its originality and depth. They had a strong impact on my ears, mostly because of their distinct personality. This initial impression opened the door to exploring their discography, which is filled with engaging and imaginative ideas. Helicon‘s music is characterised by a remarkable ability to shift styles effortlessly, ensuring their sound never feels stale. Their sonic landscape keeps me alert, making each listening experience exciting.
The band has released four studio albums through Fuzz Club, along with a live album via the labels imprint Rubber Duck and several singles. This steady output shows their dedication to exploring new trajectories and pushing boundaries in depth and beyond the psych rock genre. Each album presents a journey filled with layered sounds, evocative lyrics, and captivating arrangements.
Their talent for collaboration enhances their creative expression and broadens their vision. This is perfectly exemplified by their work with bassist Will Carruthers, known for his time with Spacemen3, Spiritualized, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. This ‘little help‘ resulted in two unique singles featuring Carruthers’ spoken word contributions, adding a different dimension to their world. Such projects illustrate the band’s commitment to evolving their sound and experimenting with various styles.
With these diverse influences, Helicon manages to create sounds that are innovative, rich and inviting. Having previously collaborated with Los Angeles-based DJ, producer, and experimental electronic musician Al Lover on a compelling remix of their 2024 single Permo. As a result, the notion of an album together was far from an impulse, but rather a deeply considered ambition the brothers had been mulling over for some time.
Working with Al Lover promised not only a fertile ground for experimentation but also an infusion of captivating, trip-hop beats that seemed almost tailor-made for a massive, hippy-themed solstice nightlife event, a vision now vibrantly solidified in their new album, Arise. Al Lover‘s truly remarkable input is evident throughout, creating a blend of sounds that feels both ‘left behind’ and never quite seamless, strikingly reminiscent of the expansive sonic landscapes found in Primal Scream’s Screamadelica; even the album’s psychedelic spiral cover immediately transports one to an outer world of space psychedelia.
Each track is a carefully crafted chapter that collectively forms an immersive, soulful experience…
This immersive soundscape is further enriched by the brilliant production of Tony Doogan, renowned for his work with bands like Mogwai, J&MC, and Teenage Fanclub, just to mention but a few, who masterfully imparts the hypnotic density essential to the album’s intended conveyance. Together, these creative forces have forged a record that is ambitious in scope and meticulously executed in its captivating depth.
There are nine great tracks, where each one erupts with pure, vibrant abandon, marking a deliberate departure from the sound established with their previous album, God Intentions, through an overwhelming surge of creative intention, inviting us into a world of compelling sounds and visions.
From the opening note, Arise immediately establishes the hypnotic and groovy feel of this new direction. It pulsates with a rhythm reminiscent of a remix by the late Andrew Weatherall, setting a vibrant, propulsive tone that seamlessly carries into Backbreaker. Here, a relentless rhythm compels you to dance endlessly and surrender to the infectious groove. In contrast, the instrumental ‘Tabula Rasa’ proves utterly irresistible, an impetuous wave of ethereal vibrations.
As Adjust The Dosage begins, you find yourself gracefully floating in a boundless sea of spatial sounds, allowing yourself to drift undisturbed before the incoming tide of Midnight Mass sweeps you away, dragging you persuasively into a realm far beyond your everyday existence. The album then gently bids Goodbye Cool World, as you are transported by the profound human warmth emanating from the tender touch of piano keys, played by Belle & Sebastian’s Chris Geddes, offering a serene and reflective conclusion.
Each track is a carefully crafted chapter that collectively forms an immersive, soulful experience that not only celebrates boundless artistic freedom but redefines one’s perception of their own world. The collaboration between these two different musical worlds feels like a natural continuation of the vibes left behind by Screamadelica. With its soulful energy and unique sounds, the album not only celebrates the joy of music’s heartbeat but also connects deeply with emotions, leaving us feeling refreshed and inspired by the possibilities it presents.
Label: Fuzz Club Records
Helicon: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Al Lover: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
