- Helms Alee are a Seattle band that know how to blend some pretty sweet indie darkness with seriously muscular hardcore power - the mixed male/female vocals is effectively put to work in this regard. More than this they write very interesting and highly varied songs that make this record a treat to listen too. The record's title track is I think a good example: ripping in with a very punky onslaught that broadens into a guttural roar, before slowly easing to rather beautiful harmonies. I'm always a little hesitant to bring heavy sounds to the ears of a general listenership, but If a band liked er 'Effed' Up can be super popular - which they are -perhaps a few other equally worthy bands can be given a chance too. Oh, if you're in Brisbane, you'll find that since we're rather short of record stores the band's label, the rather excellent Hydra Head, has decided to exclusively stock it's vinyl at Tyms Guitars, so check that out.