The Helio Sequence: American Band You Should Know
Since the first time I laid eyes on this duo, comprised of Benjamin Weikel (drummer and synth-master, who makes many a funny face when he drums) and Brandon Summers (guitarist and vocalist extraordinaire, whose passionate to the point of ridiculousness), I was enamored.
The reason I chose them as today’s featured band is because over the weekend, I went to Wyoming. Wyoming is in the middle of America, where there is very little musical creativity. The area seemed to have no music outside of top-40s or country stations. Coming from Seattle, these were notable shocking differences between the two places. But what was even more noticeable was the fact that above all else, religious stations outweighed the rest.
It reminded me of this one time I interviewed the Helio Sequence at one of REDEFINE’s Spring Launch events. The show featured the Helio Sequence and two other bands — The Crystal Skulls and Silversun Pickups — and took place at a venue that was connected to a church. The venue was called the Paradox and was one of my favorites in Seattle. We interviewed the Helio Sequence in that church, and together, four of us got huge kicks out of full-sized children’s drawings of people burning in hell.
It seems only appropriate for the band to follow that up with what I think is one of the best songs off of their new album, “Hallelujah.” “Hallelujah” mentions quite clearly that the band is not religious, yet, like all humans, they wish they can be religious because religion offers some answers. The song has stuck with me because it is unique; you hear religious songs all the time, but one that treads the line in between is uncommon.
Most who have seen the Helio Sequence have been floored by their passion for their music. Their music swirls and dips in synthetic sonic heaven and both members get quite obviously lost in their own music. They don’t care that they are ridiculous, sweaty, or 24 and slightly balding. They make music that’s textured and just doesn’t give a crap about the world around them. The Helio Sequence’s brand of Beatles-inspired, synth-laden indie rock is one of a kind.
Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/theheliosequence, and when you’re done there, read our in-church-conducted interview here.
- Vivian
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