HELIUM PARADE

Just two years after the debut and the band were back with their second album, but there had already been major changes in that this is now a solo project by Mike Monda (guitar, guitar synth, bass, fretless bass, drum programming, keyboards, vocals), who was assisted by singer Clara Hembree on two tracks, each of which also features a different drummer. This is a far more varied album than the debut, and there has been a considerable change in approach so in some ways it is somewhat surprising that Mike decided to keep working under the same name, as anyone buying the debut and then picking up this one would be in for quite a shock as this is far more in the art rock style than the much heavier first one.

One of the most interesting songs on this set is "Carousel" where Clara provides lead vocals and drums are by Gaetano Nicolosi as there is considerable depth on this and the use of a strong female singer who throws her voice in different directions is a real benefit. However, this is an album which rewards repeated listening, and while it is very different indeed from the debut, in many ways there is more depth as Mike takes the opportunity to bring in many different elements as he refuses to sit within any particular genre and instead is out to expand through preconceived boundaries. This does mean that when first played, this album can seem somewhat confusing as it is so all over the place, even moving into the avant garde and experimental at times which is quite a contrast to the more melodic stylings, but when played a few times this does make far more sense.

So, quite a departure from the debut, which made me wonder what the next one would bring?