Helene

Helene is a band that is fronted by London-born singer Helene. Their song Apostille caught my attention last year when Pandora suggested I may like it. It was right. Apostille is on the 2006 album Routines, which is their second album. This delightful collection of songs was released on the Series 8 label. I just learned this and am excited to puruse thier catalog. They also have a myspace page. Their first album, Postcard, was released in 2003 on the Global Warming label. I just found out that they released an album in 2009, Heliotrope, on the Pronoia label. I haven't heard it yet because, like I said, I just found out about it maybe ten minutes ago.

I am going to try and describe Routines a bit. I am easily smitten by female-fronted bands and go through phases or flings with bands. However, there are always those, that like Barry White, have staying power. This is one of those. Helene's voice is light and clean, but powerful. Her stlyle doesn't have a gimmick, she just has a beautiful voice. I don't sing well, but there are some songs that compel me to sing along and I do. Of the thirteen songs on Routines, 9-10 are sing-along good. The afore mentioned Apostille, in partcular, is a very moving, uplifting song. I have no idea what it's about because I don't really pay attention to lyrics. For all I know it could be about killing puppies. It seems unlikely, though. O Tina and Sammy is a Soldier Now also both touch a chord with me. Sammy is a simple, slow song that is highlighted by wonderful vocals. O Tina also starts simple, focusing on vocals, but builds up some nice energy towards the end. The album starts with No Choice, which feels playful to me. It's short and sweet. Now that I am paying attention to the lyrics I realize it's about having no choice about killing puppies, man that's twisted. No, its about having no choice about being in love. I can't tell if it's a love that's returned or not. I don't think it's relevant for the song. Anyway, it's a quite lovely as is the whole album.

While, I enjoy Helene's first album, Postcards, I don't like it as much as Routines. For the most part, it is a darker, moodier album. Helene's (the singer) vocals are just as beautiful, but I would describe them more as haunting on this album. Your Laughter is one of the more upbeat songs on the album. Peanuts is completely out of place on the album. It does not sound like them at all and it's not just because it's a duet with male vocals. It's very cheery-sounding and is about the comic strip. I like it, but it's just a strange song. Every time I heard it when I had my iPod on shuffle I was confused and couldn't figure out who it was. Eventually I looked. Alright, so that's what I think about that. Up next... Some Girls