Strangeways - Treble Helix

By Daffs aka @TwoDaff

“Harnessing ancient musical knowledge with modern technology under the guidance of the spirit of the ancient demi-god, Gilgamesh”

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' and 'Happy' a collection of psychedelic emblazoned indie rock n roll, that have the head spinning in enjoyment in a whirlwind of sound. The band released their fifth single 'Missing Organs' on 17th February.

After making the connection between the twelve attendees present at the last supper and the number of times it took to record the eponymous debut album by "The La's" Gilgamesh decided it was time for them to release something with a bit more of a sunshine vibe, it's spring after all. The band say

“Our 6th release is called "Strange Ways" and it's a tale of the endless cycle of loss and salvation in a bubble-gum wrapper”.

Californian sunshine of the 60’s and 90’s jangly Britpop

Strange Ways (set for release on the 7th April) see’s Treble Helix mix it up and change direction in sound to 'Missing Organs' and some of their previous releases, something I like as variety is the spice of life or so I am told. Gone are the dark undertones and zeppelin-esque vibes of Missing Organs. Its a blend of the Californian sunshine of the 60’s and 90’s jangly Britpop underneath a modern-day mantle.

Psychedelic and sumptuous

It has a bit of a Roses groove on opening, chiming guitars shimmer and shine, in keeping with their ethos, psychedelic and sumptuous. Guitar’s trip and splash colour giving a light warm fuzzy vibe to proceedings. Instrumentally it has a real 60’s psychedelic vibe, dripping in catchy hooks and melodic riffs, taking you back to those heady days before you are brought back into the modern day with a vocal that shines with Britpop chic.

A 60’s road trip…literally.

The chorus tells you to “Live your days…in the strangest ways” and is delivered perfectly, I really like the vocal, its almost haunting yet it has a feelgood vibe. There is a vibrancy within this song that lifts you up and lets you float off in the summer sun, it does have a La’s feel musically with a hint of Brown (Ian) in the vocal but that’s where it ends, it’s just a hint, to me its more of a 60’s road trip…literally.

Crisp, vibrant and colourful

Overall, this, for me is possibly their best track to date, I like the blend of Californian psychedelia and modern indie/Britpop, it works so well. The vocal stands out for me, it fits perfectly, everything is crisp, vibrant and colourful. The guitars seem to trip and stumble over the drum beat giving an added dimension which sounds fantastic.

A unique sound

Treble Helix are one of my favourite bands at the moment, they bring a different component to their music, no two songs are the same, they bring a unique sound, you can hear elements of past artists in their creations yet it doesn’t detract from their own sound. A sound that just gets better with each track. Keep em coming!