Helen Earth Band

When former Finch drummer Marc Allen decided not to include himself in that band's 2007 reunion, it wasn't because he wanted to put his feet up. Rather, he teamed up with his brother and fellow ex-Counterfit member Adam (vocals/guitar) in Helen Earth Band. Taking the term "do-it-yourself" seriously, the band (completed by keyboardist/percussionist Jeff Livingston, drummer Brian Evans and bassist Trevor Vieweg) are self-releasing their product in downloadable form, as well as an elaborately packaged CD.

But it's not only their desire to embrace technology that makes them progressive; Our Own Ghost City features more key changes and curveballs than a Rush album. To their immense credit, however, they haven't sacrificed passion and raw emotion in their quest to be musically imaginative. Like the Mars Volta, the real joy with Helen Earth Band is the haunting and powerful vocals, contrasting immaculately with the technical wizardry. "Planemo" is the best example; the dynamic verses building to a chorus that teases before simply disappearing, while Adam Allen croons his heart out. "Lullaby", meanwhile, is as beautifully poignant as you would expect after seeing the song title, making perfect use of some trance-y loops to create the aural equivalent of a good head massage.

There are some filler tracks on Our Own Ghost City, not least the closing "Retain" which criminally allows this potentially great piece of work to just dwindle out, but that is probably the effect that the band were looking for. One thing's for sure, this is a band who are doing things on their own terms, and hats off to 'em. (SELF-RELEASED) Brett Callwood

- Alternative Press