EP Review – Semi Helix by Semi Helix (2023) (Self released)
Austin, Texas, threesome Semihelix have released all three of their 2023 on Bandcamp in what effectively constitutes an eponymous EP that reminds us of just how multi-faceted their jangle-pop persuasions truly are.
Initially, sub-two-minute opener Slower Pace wraps a Local Derby-style mix of incessant indie-pop and the most melodic of modern-day guitar-pop with the sort of incidental, fragile jangle-pop. It’s everything Sarah Records any jangly indie-pop fan could ever want with just enough of rock modernity to neatly swerve retro uniformity.
Renovate has a little bit more bite to it, moving more solidly within the heavier guitar sounds 90s indie retro. This feels like a mixture of the most melodic end of the recent Cozy Slippers guitar-pop sound married to the perfectly coiffured, retro-couture of The Crystal Furs aesthetic, while the tight 80s jangle rock of The Bangles augments all with a glorious energy..
The final Downstream track feels like a natural amalgamation between the luscious, jangly dream-pop of Keeley and the hushed, sweet indie-pop of The Sundays.
At over six minutes in length, this track has room to manoeuvre and subsequntly develops into the melodic intensity that the best of modern-day psyche-pop has to offer as it finally realizes the ‘psyche potential’ that the initial two tracks also hinted at.
I am not sure if the release of these three singles signals the possible release of their first album since their brilliant Recoil debut in 2021. We can only hope so!
janglepophub.home.blog 