The short-lived, Boston-area band Helium is probably not anyone’s A-List indie-alt-rock material.
Frontwoman Mary Timony sings as if swimming through a cough syrup cloud, her voice rolling in and around the pitch like a slide whistle, giving the music a dreamy vibe. And the band cranks out discordant, grinding, alt-rock sludge. It can be a powerful sound, but one that tends to grow on you over repeated listens rather than grab you from the start.
Timony seems averse to sing about herself directly, instead shielding herself with a shifting smokescreen of supernatural mirrors—gothic horror tropes, mythical creatures, astronomical explorations, and more. There are clearly sexual politics at work, too, and the mix is intriguing. I don’t know if “Baby Vampire Made Me” and “Wanna Be a Vampire Too, Baby” are meant as metaphors for sex or motherhood or drugs or something else, but they hold a certain appeal, regardless.
Having lived in the Boston area for most of the 90s, I saw Helium live a few times back in the day (more than once, if my memory serves, opening for Sleater Kinney), and I checked out a Mary Timony solo gig as well. I really dig their stuff. Check it out.
Playlist 1
Here’s a chronological sampling of some of Helium’s best work from their three major releases, the Pirate Prude EP (1994), The Dirt of Luck (1995), and The Magic City (1997), which added synths to the mix.
Playlist 2
For those who want more, Playlist Two offers a deeper look into the same territory. Aside from the first and last tracks, this one is chronological, too.
Further Listening
In addition to her post-Helium solo work, Mary Timony has been a key member of the acclaimed indie-rock bands Wild Flag and Ex Hex. Both are more than worth checking out.
Cover Art:
- The Dirt of Luck and a Matador Records promo postcard: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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