- @TwoDaff
Love's not Cancelled - Treble Helix
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Treble Helix are an Edinburgh based experimental/psychedelic indie rock band established in August of 2021 as a recording project comprised of husband-and-wife song writing team Kier Lavin (producer/guitars) and Steph Lavin (Keyboards/Vocals) with Glasgow singer/songwriter Donny Gallagher (vocals/harmonica/percussion) joining them on lead vocals, they have since recruited two additional full time members Stuart McFarlane on bass and Stuart Douglas on guitar.
Previous releases include 'Moon Rabbit’, 'Archie's Prophecy’, 'The Weather is Changing’ ‘Happy’ 'Missing Organs' and recently ‘Strangeways’ a collection of psychedelic emblazoned indie rock n roll, that have the head spinning in enjoyment in a whirlwind of sound.
Treble Helix are set to release their 7th single 'Love's not Cancelled' on 5th May. It sees Steph taking lead vocal duties, it's the lead single from their up-coming debut EP 'The Love EP' and it's about... well, love.
According to the band
“It is a psychedelic, shoegazing sea shanty with a message. Carrying on the age-old tradition of 3 chords and the truth it's a timely reminder that love has not been cancelled... yet”
Ever since I came across Treble Helix, I always get excited when they send me their latest releases. You never know what you are going to get. You know there will always be elements of psychedelic rock, you know its going to be good, but it’s the way the songs are delivered that differs, sometimes you get an indie vibe sometimes it’s a 60’s vibe, they always leave you intrigued, sometimes mesmerised and this track without doubt is no different. As previously mentioned, Donny takes a step back to allow Steph to take the lead and she does it with maximum effect.
The mournful tones of the glorious vocal
Opening with a rhythmic rat a tat tat on the cymbal, before the boom of the drums come in along with the mournful tones of the glorious vocal. This backed with effect laden guitars that blister underneath, it has a head spinning fuzzy vibe that leaves you swirling almost dizzy yet its pleasing to the ear. Steph’s vocal cuts through everything, it really shines through and blends perfectly.
Its dreamy and emotive
The drum beats are heavy, a barrage of beats whilst the constant cymbalic rhythm adds to the swing. The guitars build in intensity as the track progresses, they add a backdrop, filling in the gaps to give a smooth canvass for the vocal to twist and turn with the line “Don’t you forget…Love’s not cancelled yet” with a melodic backing vocal. Its dreamy and emotive and has a delightful tone that leaves you wanting to hear more.
The heady swirl of the instrumental
You are then hit with a guitar lead that just soars, following the melody that Steph has set, it almost wails, I get hints of early Verve in the guitars…and there’s nothing wrong with that. Although the vocal is light and almost airy there is an underlying strength in its delivery, powerful and emotive it guides you through the heady swirl of the instrumental. The track builds and builds to a crescendo, guitars intensify so by the end you are left mesmerised and breathless.
A kaleidoscope of colour
I love this track, the blend of the intense, heady guitars and the smooth, emotive voice creates a sound that is dreamy and ethereal. The whole track shimmers, guitar leads glisten whilst drums pound and drive the track. It is complex, there are multiple layers, packed with melodies it’s a kaleidoscope of colour. In my opinion it’s a fantastic track that deserves to be heard.
Psychedelia with emotion
I am now a fully fledged fan of this band, I love what they do, they create a fresh sound, its unique, intelligent and cannot be put into any genre, they mix psychedelia with emotion, they bring accomplished musicianship, undeniable talent and now they have two fantastic vocalists. I can’t wait for the EP…no actually I can’t wait for the album. This is one band I would love to see live…so Inverness awaits. Treble Helix folks…check em out!
Pre save Love's Not Cancelled here