The Helio Sequence

For a band whose name alludes to the omni-glowing fiery thing at the heart of our solar system, the Helio Sequence make a dark and eerily comforting brand of indie pop. With their first LP in four years, the duo follow the lead of Portland, OR staples the Shins by using their advancing years as an incentive to play down any remaining sonic quirks. In doing so, however, they meander somewhere beyond the boundaries of what endeared the city to Converse-wearers everywhere in the first place. The vague, symbolic lyrics and obedient grandeur of "The Measure" and "Hall of Mirrors" are pure X and Y-era Coldplay, while "Silence On Silence" provides a shining example of what Antlers songs sound like to people who don't like the Antlers. This might satisfy die-hards, but Negotiations will struggle to pin down adventurous musical tourists.