Helix – Twin (CD Album – Metropolis)
Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.
Background/Info: There has been a lot of to do about Helix and that‘s quite understandable. This new duo features one of the all-time future-pop/electro-pop legends Tom Shear (Assemblage 23) and one of the most beautiful- and sensual female voices from the scene Mari Kattman. “Twin” is their debut work featuring 10 songs.
Content: The music is clearly driven by electro-pop influences, but which however has nothing –or less, in common with Assemblage 23. Mari Kattman’s charismatic and sensual timbre of voice creates a smooth twist with the music of Tom Shear. This album has something refreshing, like a sweet reverie. I also noticed a few trip-pop elements and one potential dancefloor hit “Like A Drug”.
+ + + : This work stands for artistic electro-pop reverie, but I especially like the fact that it doesn’t sound like the ‘female’ version of Assemblage 23. Tom Shear clearly has found new influences to compose his music, but I think it’s not that difficult when you imagine Mari Kattman as a muse. She injects her natural grace and sensuality to the work, which brings Tom Shear to compose his most delicate composition to date. Mari Kattman excels on a few songs and I especially refer to “Anymore”. “Like A Drug” brings the essential club song to the work.
– – – : It’s maybe a pity there are no more other potential hits on this album, but “Twin” first of all appears to be work to dream on with.
Conclusion: “Twin” is a styled production revealing a Tom Shear like we’ve never heard before and the transcendental vocals of Mari Kattman.
Best songs: “Like a Drug”, “We are”, “Anymore”, “Bird Of Prey”.
Rate: (7½).
Artist: www.facebook.com/Helix-744516182407113
Label: www.metropolis–records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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