quite eclectic. Some of the songs were from their earliest work, including “Fallen Winter," from their second album Young Effectuals, released in 2001. Brandon mentioned between songs how it was a fulfilling task to re-stylize their tracks in such a different format, and it seemed well-suited because the two of them have grown so much since they began back in 1999. They called it Helio history being made, as opposed to the usual 10,000 db of sub-bass and sonic swirl, I liked the imagery! “Can’t Say No" from the band's 2008 album Keep Your Eyes Ahead was another listening treat; I’d never imagined it being capable of an acoustic vibe. I personally have used this track many times to help keep me motivated and push me up hills in marathon training, and now I have a completely new perspective. After just a few short days practicing the hour-long set, remarkably the compilation seemed astonishingly polished, and certainly the audience agreed. These two geniuses performed beautifully together, easily anticipating each other’s movements and rhythm as they have done so many times before. Imagine just how much skill is necessary to play both guitar and harmonica in conjunction with Brandon’s complex vocals, then mixing it up with shakers and new beats with Ben’s priceless percussion. Watching them in unison seamlessly integrating their artistry is just phenomenal. It was a top shelf affair. Personally I still marvel at the fact I was fortunate enough to witness this glorious event. One of the many highlights of the night was hearing a preview of a completely new unreleased song they have been working on in their NW Portland area studio. We will all be looking forward to the
features JUNE SLABTOWN
1033 NW 16TH
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Aegaeon | The Zenith Passage | Pantheon 9 Nois 'n' Beats Breakcore Bash 11 Rats in the Wall | Dirty Kid Discount | Juicy Karkass 12 Mos Generator | Holy Grove | The Thornes | Disenchanter
Nuggets Night (15+ bands) Donovan Wolfington | Pope FEA Frightwig | It's OK! | LKN | Cockeye Truth Under Attack | Reach for the Sky | City-States Arcane Machine | Erik Anarchy | Brandon Sills Shannon & The Clams Bass Line Bums | Faithless Saints
alhambra theatre 4118 se hawthorne
Photo by Barbara Forrer
soon-to-be-released record, which is sure to be an instant classic. It was an amazing song, one that definitely excuses spending 1200 bucks on some new car speakers! Speaking of The Helio Sequence studio, a not-so-widely-known fact in the talent repertoire of these gentlemen is their spot on producing skills. Having recorded themselves for over 15 years now, I am sure they have every trick in the book up their sleeves! Brandon has even been known to record multiple voice takes in historic hardwood apartment closets just to get that perfect sound. Check out the tune “No Regrets,” also from Keep Your Eyes Ahead, for that listening treat—I never would have guessed that every voice on that track was Brandon's. Recently deciding to open the studio to other local bands for some kick ass album creation is yet another way The Helio Sequence is helping Portland become a greater city! I see a need for a local compilation studio masterpiece mix! In fact, rumor has it one of my other personal favorites (Tiger House) could be up next! Towards the end of the show, Brandon and Ben invited a special guest to the stage, Samantha Kushnick. This beautiful and incredibly talented cellist accompanied the band flawlessly.
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Bane | Turnstile | Take Offense | Young Turks Luciano | IKronik Diego's Umbrella Sage Francis | B. Dolan | Sleep Moving Units Emby Alexander | Bath Party | Hemmingway Garcia Birthday Band | Lewi Longmire Wussy | Buckle Rash Tarrus Riley & Morgan Heritage | Dean Fraser Pharoahe Monch | 9th Wonder | Rapsody Black Milk | Nat Turner Band
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MOLOKO
Taste the nightlife of Mississippi. Over 40 house infused liquors. Specialty absinth cocktails. Open until 2am every day. N PORTLAND 3967 N Mississippi (97227) 503.288.6272 molokopdx.com
hawthorne theatre 1507 se 39th
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Common Kings | Sammy J | Steady Riot! Michael Ian Black | Shane Torres Outline in Color | Miss Fortune | The Animal in Me | Elenora Unearth | Texas in July | Cruel Hand | Proven Murs | AiMayday Spirit Animal | The Hoons | Land of the Living Mewithoutyou | Dark Rooms King Buzzo | Steve Turner Without a Crown | Marla Singer | Citizen Patrol | Stab in the Dark Kindom Under Fire | Agnozia | Dead Last Place
VALENTINES
232 SW ANKENY
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Kaylee Rob | Alan Park & The 19th Floor 1 Appendixes | Cuddle Formation | Emily Reo 3
ALADDIN THEATER 3017 SE MILWAUKIE
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Victor Wooten Eels | Chelsea Wolfe Justin Hayward | Mike Dawes The Milk Carton Kids | Tom Brosseau Marc Cohn Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin | The Guilty Ones Uhh Yeah Dude Gauthier, Gilkyson, Miles - 3 Women & The Truth Rodney Crowell | Will Kimbrough Bob Schneider & Hayes Carll
EAST END
203 SE GRAND
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Honest John Plain | The Soda Pop Kids 20 No Tomorrow Boys | No Good Lovers
www.elevenpdx.com | ELEVEN PORTLAND | 12