The Helters and The ‘Afghani Super Smack’ EP.
The Helters – Taunton, England, United Kingdom.
Judging by the coat adorned by the band’s front man, I would say the band are a fan of Oasis. Review over.
Just kidding, Taunton‘s The Helters do indeed count the seminal Brit-Pop band as an influence but their sound is so much deeper. The band also site the likes of Dinosaur Jr., The Stones Roses and The Pixies as a representation of their sound and if that isn’t intriguing then the name of their four-track EP Afghani Super Smack will undoubtedly peak your interest.
‘Salt’ and it’s soft, sombre vocal-intro is misleading as the last thing you expect to hear after it’s time in the sun are Punk-esque Alternative Rock guitars. ‘Salt’ is an emotive track that with it’s notably low ridden and heavy Post-Punk bass-tuning contrasts perfectly showing a band clearly in love with the heavier side of underground Rock but also with a penchant for more accessible melody.
‘Four Aces’ vocally takes a line dancing near to Oasis while the band’s knack for telling a story is as strong as the previous effort. Musically and then also indeed vocally but confined more so to the hook-laden chorus, ‘Four Aces’ resembles Feeder in the best way possible. – […] you got me blinded by the lights, that you’re faking in your eyes’.
With the band’s take on Alternative Rock, it was only matter of time before Indie Rock or more so Indie-Punk – in the case of ‘Afterglow’ – made a solid appearance.’Afterglow’ is as well-written as tracks one and two but admittedly is stronger in it’s verses. Is this a criticism? Yes and no as perspective here is paramount. In regard to the chorus of ‘Afterglow’ within the context of the release rather than within the band’s sound, it is very much more of the same, well put together – but still more of same.
‘Afterglow’ really does shine musically though, with the brief and prospective snippet of what’s to come from 3:20 – 3:35 proving to be immensely satisfying.
‘Killing Joke’ takes a more progressive, darker tone with distorted feedback and a rumbling bass-line falling into a hybrid of Punk and Grunge. ‘Killing Joke’ is eerie with it’s lead guitars and Post-Punk-esque layers and clocking in at 5.55, it may be the longest on the release but it does it’s best to close an EP itself proving that the UK underground Alternative Rock isn’t done and dusted just yet.
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