Helen – “Dead Shark II”

Been a few years since Liz Harris’ (Grouper) trio Helen has hit the speakers, but they return this week with a pair of new singles and an album in tow. With fogged streaks and an indie pop heart that feels contrary to her renown, the new album is a smudged gem that’s hitting all the right notes around here. Feeling more like a new Slumberland release, or something in the West Coast crop circles of Tony Jay, April Magazine, and Cindy, the trio weave an obscured magic on “Dead Shark II.” The trio rounded out with Scott Simmons (The Lavender Flu, Eat Skull) and Jed Bindeman (Eternal Tapestry, Heavy Winged), has experimental credits to spare, but from the first notes i’ts clear why Harris has been helping to usher in reissues from NZ bands like Stephen and Roy Montgomery. Their noise is at the heart of the pop swarm on the band’s new album, Linda’s Head, out October 2nd from Kranky.

Support the artist. Buy it HERE.