St. Helena

Happy has quite a lot in its favor. This CD from St. Helena, a musically ambitious rock ’n’ roll four-piece, has great production, exemplary musicianship, interesting arrangements, changes in dynamics, fuzzy guitars, and an expressive vocalist who can soar in the falsetto stratosphere. There are two memorable tracks here. The first is the song “Happy,” a bluesy number that evokes Sweden’s The Soundtrack of Our Lives with its piano, tambourine, and crunchy electric guitar. The second is “Simple Life” with its chunky guitar arrangement and danceable beat.

Robin Umbley
The Noise Nov. 06 - The Noise - Boston

Slow Jack is St. Helena’s self-produced second release. Founded in 2003 by lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Teahan, the band evokes emotions through intensely beautiful melodies and insightful lyricism. The opener, “Fortune Cookie” is particularly worthy of repeated listens, as is “Oh Jane,” a track made all the more heartbreaking by keyboardist Magen Tracy’s backing vocals. Shawn King Devlin’s drumming is consistent throughout the disc, giving each song an added kick. With influences ranging from Pixies to Wilco, Wolf Parade to Neutral Milk Hotel, St. Helena is every indie enthusiast’s dream. As their one-sheet states, “Like the real St. Helena, the Patron Saint of Lost Causes, the music pulls from both waste and hope. The band shines a light onto your forgotten toys, your old wins and losses, and reminds you that you still have a chance. We’ve all got to dig to find some glory.”

Julia R. DeStefano
The Noise - Boston - The Noise - Boston

St. Helena has crafted smart, insightful rock that never broods, but rather muses thoughtfully. Happy is not a product of exile from the broader scope of life, but a message in a bottle from an outpost of observation- a message worth unraveling.

Georgiana Cohen
NorthEast Performer Sept. 06 - Northeast Performer