Helene - Routines (album)
Ch, ch, ch. Come here, don’t be afraid, we wont hurt you.
Like a little kitten just finding its feet in the world, you feel the need to coax Helene out into the limelight. Pawing softly and timidly through the alleys where Feist and Neko Case have been known to wander, she has the kind of voice that’s instantly captivating, and you sense that she has something worthwhile and earnest to say. At times the softness of the songs is perfect, such as in tracks ‘Firstlastforever’ and ‘This Is All We Have To Know’. Unfortunately this quaint meandering doesn’t hold you for very long, as it’s just too polite, too nice.
And yet the slowness present isn’t necessarily a flaw, and the music doesn’t deserve to belong to the background. You’re patient, and listen carefully. With a little time, care and nurturing it may well find its way into your heart. But right now the vocals seem simply too quiet and hidden beneath the instruments, they aren’t quite powerful enough to get out.
Come on Helene. Speak up. Just a little louder, just a little stronger, you’re nearly there.
Review by Nathania Hartley