Album Notes

When listening to Leading Towards An End (Side 1), the first track of Helvetia’s latest release, Junk Shop, one thought came to mind: “this sounds like Built to Spill.” So it was of little surprise to find out that in fact the drummer of Boise’s finest indie rock outfit, Scott Plouf, played a part in the creation of what is Helvetia’s fourth and most focused release on the Static Cult Label. At its center Helvetia is, essentially, a one-man band. Insomuch that attempting to give Helvetia founder Jason Albertini a title like vocalist, guitarist, composer, producer, etc., borders on the absurd; this, because, Albertini is Helvetia. That said, he certain found the right components to make Junk Shop Helvetia’s best release to date. Like any well-tuned vehicle, Junk Shop, perfects its core (wailing guitars and rhythmic drums) before adding the secondary elements (otherworldly organs and soothing vocals) that enhance the existential experience. That said Junk Shop is so much more than gentle melodies swaying in an autumn breeze. All the Money is Gone, for example, emphasizes a funk base, while the melodic, wailing guitars and the confusing and crackling organ are added as accompanying instruments, almost as if adlibbed at the last second. Solaris also breaks the mold, taking on a grunge-like rhythm at its core before branching out into dreamland; like something solo artist Kurt Cobain would have cut had he made it this far. And in Grey Ghost Rides Again, you’re pretty much caught waiting for Neil Young’s trademark whiny voice to sing out about rockin’ in the free world. However, what most separates Junk Shop from Helvetia’s past releases and from bands of the same ilk, is its aforementioned focus on the music. Often musicians let their egos get the best of them and they begin to believe that their words are more important than the music. In Junk Shop Albertini lets the music do the talking, almost literally in some instances. And, why not? After all, he is Helvetia.
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