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Rockmidgets/www.rockmidgets.com
According to their own press release, Italian duo
Helalyn Flowers have the 'ultimate approach to the
modern way of rock 'n' roll'. This, while probably
written in jest, is utter nonsense. Helalyn Flowers are
many things – enigmatic, arty and just plain bizarre
among them – but they certainly aren't rock 'n' roll,
and nor is Disconnection.
What is it then, you ask? Twenty-five minutes of
glorious psych-pop, that's what. Purring frontwoman
Noemi (both her and bandmate Max are only known by their
single first names) sings like the lovechild of Amy Lee
and Bjork, turning songs which would otherwise be fairly
cold (but still brilliant) into something
claustrophobically human and downright sexy too.
Ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalist Max backs
her up with coruscating walls of metal guitars, spinning
psychadelia, funk bass and what the two of them like to
call "odd synth". Resembling a more upbeat Nine Inch
Nails, the industrious duo fashion fast-paced
soundscapes that each build to an arresting climax. You
can't help but enjoy it as the vocals begin to twist
around each other and Max's one man band – as well as
session player Armando's bass – crashes down around your
ears.
It's hard to pick a stand-out from the five songs here –
far from being samey, they're eclectic and varied, with
each track as good as the next. Closer 'Amnesia' is the
most subtle, downtempo song on the album that sounds
somewhat like an orgasm written as music. Slow-burning
opener 'Acid Love Code' gets the album off to a rousing
start and 'Alienate Me' showcases the best hook here.
Multi-instrumentalism, trip-hop touches, slap bass and
posing naked for photoshoots all contributed to
Disconnection; it may not be rock 'n' roll – but it's
definitely the most thrilling mini-album you'll hear for
some time. |
