Helix
Bastard of the Blues
Helix Records
2014
It was pretty funny that while I was on the out and about, to find some more info about this, Helix’s latest “13th” studio release, if one disregards some combo, 2in1’s etc… I also happened upon a couple of early reviews that were far from enthusiastic… I then even saw that the “sites” on which those “reviews” were published, like many do, offer promotion packages and “banner” sales and somehow, seem to find that the latest releases by certain “well” established and probably “well-paying companies are the best thing since sliced bread… I suppose, Vollmer says it best at the ending of “Winning is the Best Revenge”, when he just calls out all those people to kiss his ass! It’s either people who don’t give a shit about the music and will just promote, whatever gets them a buck, or just people that have no touch, with the music, like guys, that had heard like, a song or at best a compilation, years ago… seriously?! By what power are those people vested to have an opinion over this band, when it’s crystal clear by what they’re saying that they either are bought and sold lackeys or clueless at best?
“Bastard of the Blues” comes some six years after the bands, last album “Vagabond Bones” and an EP later and with the revolving door of musicians, the band in the meantime has gone from being the almost “reunion” line-up (well of whoever was alive-anyway) to another musical frankenstein, with a bunch of “80s” members at least in place and Brian always at behind the wheel... well at least… I suppose, as long as “the whole thing” is kept sounding, as it “should” – I’m good!
“Bastard” ain’t bad at all… as one will find out… by spinning them MP3s (yikes) or preferably the CD...
The title track, that opens the CD, opens in with a riff, as big, as a giant, “slong” hanging out and waiting to be sucked. Bluesy and riffy as hell, musically and with Vollmer, belting out like a motherfucker with a bad attitude, that he won’t deny his roots or his name and true calling… he also get a little sentimental midway and smothers himself in some mournful solo vocalism, but he soon comes around to…
“Even Jesus (Wasn’t Loved in His Hometown)” is a bit funny and maintains the “riffy” nature and the sort of ac/dc ethos when it comes to the songwriting values. Simple and to the point melodies that however get maximum effect.
I mentioned “Winning is the Best Revenge” earlier... and it’s a lovely number, very much in the tradition of Sweet and Mott and the Hoople – that short of vibe, but a lot of “dirtier”... but if you have heard “Helix” before, you know how they sound… sooo...
“Screaming at the Moon” sort of gets things a little heavier and groovier, which is not bad at all, it’s actually, something definitely “called for” and it keeps interest from waning…
“Metal at Midnight” is probably cliché as hell and as 80 as you could get, but hey that’s what you “paid for”? And this one, trust me will give you, back your money’s worth 200%!!! I mean catch a glimpse of this lyrical gem: “Six strings are screaming to wake up your deamons, loud enough to wake up the dead!”… I mean how much more 80s and Spinal Tap meets Grim Reaper (in a good way) can you get?!!
“Hellbound for a Heartbreak” is a pretty decent song, but after the previous onslaught… I guess only a guitar connected to a defibrillator, attached to some headphones, could really shock me more! Haha!
All joking aside “When All the Love is Gone” is a pretty good ballad... even if Vollmer’s voice is not the most flexible in the world, he still manages to put a helluva lot of passion in his performance and make it very believable... in this show stopping climaxing power ballad.
“Axe to Grind” almost begins with a bit of a Billy Idol, sort of nastiness attached to it and is an exciting rocker, that doesn’t quite easily…
“Skin in the Game” is the title track from the 2011 EP of the same name, and is a down an dirty rock n roller in the tradition of Cinderella meets Skid Row, etc… it’s all about taking a chance – but putting your money where your mouth is and backing your risks with some collateral… Helix prove to have some tough skin!
Another number from the same EP is “The Bitch is a Bullet” which has a bit of a weird, Motley feel about it, but not quite the sound, it’s kinda crazier and more theatrical, go figure!
Last but not least, comes “Sticks & Stones” a fun fuckin take on the good ole phrase :P and a two finger salute to everyone who takes things way too seriously! You’re missing out on all the fun!
“Bastard of the Blues”, is loads of fun! You either get it or you don’t!
“Bastard of the Blues” comes some six years after the bands, last album “Vagabond Bones” and an EP later and with the revolving door of musicians, the band in the meantime has gone from being the almost “reunion” line-up (well of whoever was alive-anyway) to another musical frankenstein, with a bunch of “80s” members at least in place and Brian always at behind the wheel... well at least… I suppose, as long as “the whole thing” is kept sounding, as it “should” – I’m good!
“Bastard” ain’t bad at all… as one will find out… by spinning them MP3s (yikes) or preferably the CD...
The title track, that opens the CD, opens in with a riff, as big, as a giant, “slong” hanging out and waiting to be sucked. Bluesy and riffy as hell, musically and with Vollmer, belting out like a motherfucker with a bad attitude, that he won’t deny his roots or his name and true calling… he also get a little sentimental midway and smothers himself in some mournful solo vocalism, but he soon comes around to…
“Even Jesus (Wasn’t Loved in His Hometown)” is a bit funny and maintains the “riffy” nature and the sort of ac/dc ethos when it comes to the songwriting values. Simple and to the point melodies that however get maximum effect.
I mentioned “Winning is the Best Revenge” earlier... and it’s a lovely number, very much in the tradition of Sweet and Mott and the Hoople – that short of vibe, but a lot of “dirtier”... but if you have heard “Helix” before, you know how they sound… sooo...
“Screaming at the Moon” sort of gets things a little heavier and groovier, which is not bad at all, it’s actually, something definitely “called for” and it keeps interest from waning…
“Metal at Midnight” is probably cliché as hell and as 80 as you could get, but hey that’s what you “paid for”? And this one, trust me will give you, back your money’s worth 200%!!! I mean catch a glimpse of this lyrical gem: “Six strings are screaming to wake up your deamons, loud enough to wake up the dead!”… I mean how much more 80s and Spinal Tap meets Grim Reaper (in a good way) can you get?!!
“Hellbound for a Heartbreak” is a pretty decent song, but after the previous onslaught… I guess only a guitar connected to a defibrillator, attached to some headphones, could really shock me more! Haha!
All joking aside “When All the Love is Gone” is a pretty good ballad... even if Vollmer’s voice is not the most flexible in the world, he still manages to put a helluva lot of passion in his performance and make it very believable... in this show stopping climaxing power ballad.
“Axe to Grind” almost begins with a bit of a Billy Idol, sort of nastiness attached to it and is an exciting rocker, that doesn’t quite easily…
“Skin in the Game” is the title track from the 2011 EP of the same name, and is a down an dirty rock n roller in the tradition of Cinderella meets Skid Row, etc… it’s all about taking a chance – but putting your money where your mouth is and backing your risks with some collateral… Helix prove to have some tough skin!
Another number from the same EP is “The Bitch is a Bullet” which has a bit of a weird, Motley feel about it, but not quite the sound, it’s kinda crazier and more theatrical, go figure!
Last but not least, comes “Sticks & Stones” a fun fuckin take on the good ole phrase :P and a two finger salute to everyone who takes things way too seriously! You’re missing out on all the fun!
“Bastard of the Blues”, is loads of fun! You either get it or you don’t!