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Heliotropes: Moving Toward the Light

Terence Praet
By

Heliotropes
Over There That Way Cover ArtHeliotropes, the flower, are named for an exceptional characteristic: the plant orients itself to the direction of the sun, consistently following the lights. Perhaps it is no coincidence, then, that Heliotropes’, the band, new album is a brighter affair than their debut.

Heliotropes released its sophomore record last Friday—July 15—through The End Records. Titled Over There That Way, the record arrived three years after debut album A Constant Sea. In those years, the band’s makeup changed greatly; bandleader Jessica Numsuwankijkul is now the only remaining founding member. With the change in lineup comes a concomitant change in the band’s sound, though a sea change it is not. 

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Heliotropes - Easy (Official Music Video)

The band’s crunching, aggressive sound is still there on many tracks, but just as many incorporate dream pop or doo-wop. The production remains lo-fi with Numsuwankijkul’s vocals providing an ethereal, even wispy, element. This contrast is best exhibited in Over There‘s… centerpiece, “Dardanelles Part I” and “Dardanelle Part II.” “Part I” is characterized by a driving, distorted guitar riff, while “Part II” strolls along, providing room for a wider soundscape to form.

Dardanelles Part I

Heliotropes’ Over There That Way is out now through The End Records and available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and The End Records’ online store.

Dardanelles Part II

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