Helen Love, the band and the singer, favored a buzzsaw-pop that had a vibe similar to the best Ramones numbers. The music of HL invigorated the soul, and earned a smile from indie fans worldwide, with the Welsh legends surviving changes in tastes and styles, and all against a backdrop of the rise and impolsion of Britpop. The new Helen Love record, This is My World has the same kind of thing happening within its grooves, though the cuts are somehow less hectic, and more heartfelt.
"This is My World" and "Go-Kart" are reflective numbers, ones that pop and crackle but with the lyrics those of someone looking back on the past. Lots of what's here has a mood that's similar, with even the frenzy of "Billy Liar" indicating an understanding of that classic film character and his rather unique outlook. For long-time fans of Helen Love, there might seem to be more sonic variety here, with the tunes at least as direct and uncluttered as possible. This is still DIY indie, but it's gentler in spirit somehow. I mean, there's a song called "Let the Sunshine In" here that's positively bright and sunny!
Of course, there was a lot of upbeat energy in the old Helen Love sides, but it's just that, with things so shit in 2022, Helen Love sounds more like an encouraging big sis now than a punk-y kid sis. But if the sound's changed a bit, the sentiments are sort of the same. Fans will find this familiar even if the guitars are not quite as manic and buzzing as before. Loud or soft, the music of Helen Love still seems an encouragement in an increasingly cynical world, and now more than ever, I treasure this sort of thing.
This is My World is out on Friday via Alcopop!.
More details on Helen Love via the official Facebook page.