Helicon/Suburban Decay

Glasgow’s Helicon have put out a wealth of sonics, and Suburban Decay takes many of them and puts them in one convenient place, showcasing them in the elusive context of an album. Though many of the cuts of have already been traveling the ether, Suburban Decay is more than a quick collection. The cuts not only still shine, but are enhanced by each other and show just how much Helicon have a handle on their trade. It’s a hefty does of psych and shoegaze with their trademark of slight sinisterness under the surface, making the atmosphere thick without being oppressively off-putting. There’s something vaguely distant about Helicon, something that seems to keep them just beyond reach. In their hands that twists into a coolly appealing aloofness that, despite definition, is fully welcoming and sonically forthcoming. They aren’t keeping you at bay, they’re inviting you join them. On Suburban Decay you get (thankfully) their great take on Hallogallo, the swirling sprawl and squall of the title cut and Truth or Consequence, the lengthy and aptly titled hefty Black Resin and the wonderfully snotty diatribe, The Dabbler. If you’re new to the ‘psychedelic haze & gaze merchants,’ this is the place to make an introduction.

The Dabbler :: Helicon :: Suburban Decay (2012, Helicon)

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