Chris Helme
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Chris Helme

Band Pop Singer/Songwriter

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"Chris Helme"


CHRIS HELME - Ashes (Own Label)
It’s taken 10 years since the demise of The Seahorses for former
frontman Helme to put together his solo debut, but it’s been worth
the wait and effort. Folk blues in a similar vein to early Gomez,
accompanied on acoustic guitar Helme’s soulful throaty warble (at
times reminiscent of Starsailor) is on solid, emotionally raw form
for a set of songs (some, like Morning Sun, originally written for
the band) carved out of the pain, bruises and occasional joys of love
and life. He’s included respectable covers of Marisa Nadler’s sadly
waltzing Yellow Lights and the Soledad Brothers bluesy Lorali, but
his self-penned material is equally as strong with the reflective
quiveringly world weary Melancholy Lullabies and the lilting
Moonbeams with its hints of Van Morrison influences proving stand
outs. There’s also a hidden bonus acoustic solo rework of Blinded By
The Sun from The Seahorses album that makes the original pale by
comparison. - The Beat


"Chris Helme: Ashes"

Published Date: 27 November 2008
By PETER NALDRETT
Chris Helme: Ashes
WE first heard his voice when he led the now legendary band Seahorses to cult success in the late 90s along with former Stone Roses guitarist John Squire.

Now singer-songwriter Chris Helme is going it alone and hitting the road with a collection of new songs.

Things have changed since the debut album from the Seahorses topped the charts and singles such as Love Is The Law had us in the groove.

His voice now matured, his attitude more powerful and heartfelt, this is a collection of nine songs that have been given a dose of 21st century realism in a charming and insightful way.

November, December and January will be spent on the road for Chris, entertaining small crowds in small venues; introducing his new material to old fans and a new generation who will be listening to him for the first time.

Ashes may turn out to be a fairly low-key release when compared to past glories, but it's well worth indulging yourself and giving it a listen.
- Isle of Man Today


"Chris Helme"

Ashes (Chris Helme) Album Helme
was catapulted to stardom as the singer
of The Seahorses, the band led by former
Stone Roses guitarist Jon Squire.
Subsequently Helme has enjoyed a
steady if unspectacular career but this
solo album suggests the best is
yet to come. His soulfully
cracked voice is his main asset.
By Nigel Thornton - Peterborough Today


Discography

Albums:
Ashes, Chris Helme
The Yards, The Yards
Do it Yourself, The Seahorses
Singles:
'Love is the Law' (no. 2)
'Blinded by the Sun' (no. 7)
‘ Love Me and Leave Me’ (no.15)
‘You Can Talk to Me’ (no.15).

Photos

Bio

Exciting young singer songwriter Chris Helme cut his teeth as lead singer with the legendary 'Seahorses' and is now hitting the road with his new songs.

Taking a ‘back to basics’ approach and recorded on his trusty, dusty old four-track tape recorder with just a Jack D for company, Chris has captured the spirit of his stunning live performances with a gritty honesty and passion rarely seen these days. ‘It’s a simple affair really, just vocals and guitar with perhaps a shimmer of strings or percussion’.

Chris was catapulted to stardom when his first band, the Seahorses saw their 1997 debut album 'Do it Yourself' (Geffen) reach number one. The album was followed by four successful singles, 'Love is the Law' (no. 2), 'Blinded by the Sun' (no. 7), ‘ Love Me and Leave Me’ (no.15) and ‘You Can Talk to Me’ (no.15). After 3 years of intensive touring, living the rock ‘n roll dream, playing major festivals and supporting rock giants such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Oasis and Beck, the Seahorses went their different ways.

Over the next few years Chris continued to write songs and perform as a solo artist. Then in 2002 he formed 'The Yards' with Seahorse's bassist Stuart Fletcher, they were joined by Chris Farrell (Guitar), Jon Hargreaves (Keyboards/Vocals) and John Miller (Drums). The Yards eponymous self titled debut album (on Snapper) received much critical acclaim and their second album ‘Sesquipedalianism’’, will be released by Industrial Erotica in 2008.

Chris’s voice has matured since the heady pop days of The Seahorses to become even more powerful and heartfelt. He writes songs that are beautifully ambiguous, yet charming and insightful. The lyrics respect the majesty of seventies troubadours such as Townes Van Zant, Neil Young and Tim Buckley, but which are nevertheless framed within a 21st century realism.

http://www.myspace.com/chrishelmesolo or
http://www.theyards.org/ or
http://www.myspace.com/theyardsband