Album review: Semihelix has a new seven inch EP out that will revive your faith in indie music
Rock music is doing just fine thanks to artists like Semihelix. Based in Austin, Semihelix play a mix of American indie underground of the 80s with a smidge of C86 jangle-pop with their chiming guitars, driving bass lines and dreamy vocals. Semihelix has been in the scene over 12 years comprising of mastermind and founding member Geannie Friedman on guitar and vocals, along with long standing comrades Mike Cota on bass and Valdermar Barrera on drums. This solid EP release comes with three bangers; “Slower Pace,” “Renovate” and “Downstream” released on Strawberry Pancake Records. The music was recorded and mixed at The Hen House Recording studio in Austin Texas by producer and engineer Matt Gerhard (Spoon, Future Islands, The Pons) and mastered by Max Lorenzen (Linen Closet, Slomo Drags, Lord Buffalo).
EP opener “Slower Pace” goes full speed ahead jangle, reminiscent of the Paisley Underground with its clean tones and sing-along harmonies. At just a minute and 32 seconds, this song packs a punch with its punky spirit and pogo party excitement.
The second track “Renovate” is an upbeat mid-tempo bopper with dreamy Bangles harmonies fading in and out, interweaving creating intricate melodies taking you into that Semihelix vibe. If the band was an 80s act, this song would’ve fit in perfectly in the Strum Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987 released by the Captured Tracks label, alongside bands like Holiday, 28th Day and Riff Doctors.
On “Downstream” the band creates hazy landscapes on this slower paced melancholy six minute jammer. Like a Dream Syndicate meets Television space jam, the band allows more space for sonic sounds showcasing their ability to create new avenues in their sound.
Semihelix sounds like a band whose songs come to them with ease and joy; the formula is simple with no gimmicky pedals or effects to overpower the songs, just good songwriting. The centerpiece of the material is always the amazing vocals of Friedman. Their new EP is available on the group’s Bandcamp page and comes in a beautiful blue color if you get the 7” vinyl or buy the digital album. Get your copy now!
Catch Semihelix live at Vinyl Beauty Bar Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 11) with Prom Threat and The Discount Pills. Show runs 2-5 p.m. so it’s the ideal way for music fans to pregame for the big game.
Featured photo by Pamela Peltz
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