Name: Essential Aliens
Brand: Helvetia

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

JNR372LPC1

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Colour

Clear

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: Yes

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2021-11-19

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Cargo

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0753936908062

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / clear

JNR372CD

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Download code: No

0602309893842

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1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Helvetia

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Joyful Noise Recordings

Helvetia is an independent and experimental alternative music group hailing from Seattle, Washington. Formed by Jason Albertini after the disbandment of Duster, Helvetia released their debut record "The Clever North Wind" in 2006 on The Static Cult Label, distributed by Up Records. They gained national exposure by touring with Built To Spill. Led by Jason Albertini and supported by a rotating live lineup, including C. Dove Amber, Jim Roth, and Scott Plouf, Helvetia's third release "Headless Machine of the Heart" (2008) was recorded entirely on a 4-track tape machine.

Continuing to release music through The Static Cult Label under Clay Parton's guidance (a fellow member of Duster), Helvetia draws inspiration from Switzerland - Albertini's childhood home - as evident in their name which refers to the female personification of the country. Over the years, they have put out seven releases on The Static Cult Label between 2006 and 2011 while sharing stages with notable bands like Built To Spill and Meat Puppets.

Known for his raw and experimental songwriting style, Albertini primarily records Helvetia's albums himself using a 4-track recorder. Their album "Dromomania," set to be released on October 2nd via Joyful Noise Recordings, showcases influences ranging from '70s Kinks to Captain Beefheart and

Joyful Noise Recordings is an independent music label based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since its inception in the early 2000s, the label has been dedicated to releasing innovative and boundary-pushing music across various genres.

With a roster that includes *Kishi Bashi*, *Sufjan Stevens*, and *Deerhoof*, Joyful Noise Recordings has become known for its commitment to supporting unique and talented artists. The label's diverse catalog spans from indie rock to experimental pop, showcasing a range of artistic voices.

Not only does Joyful Noise Recordings release albums, but they also offer exclusive limited edition vinyl releases through their subscription service called "The White Label Series." This allows fans to discover new music while collecting rare and collectible records.

Essential Aliens is the 10th Helvetia album. Helvetia is the solo project of Jason Albertini from Duster. The songs on Essential Aliens were recorded over the last year in Jason's basement. Helvetia resides in Portland, Oregon but was formed in Seattle, Washington in 2005 after Duster first went on hiatus. Since the band’s inception, Jason has continued to employ a rotating cast of band members and collaborators, which now includes Steve Gere and Samantha Stidham. Steve and Jason also played in Built To Spill together from 2012 until 2018. In 2019 Duster started playing shows and recording again. During this time Jason started writing what would become This Devastating Map. Released at the beginning of August last year, it was described as “a constantly shifting project that takes experimental lo-fi into brilliantly colored psych directions with a concise glow.” Then the pandemic took hold. With normal life at a standstill and unable to hang with his bandmates, Jason focused his energy on his daughter’s home-schooling schedule, and recording. He focused on finishing one song a day and was soon honing in on a brand new album.

Recommended If You Like: Acetone, Chad VanGaalen, Duster, Built to Spill, The Olivia Tremor Control, Spirit of the Beehive. 

Essential Aliens

Music GB

Buy Helvetia - Essential Aliens (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.