The Helio Sequence

To call a record "boring” might seem like an insult but in the case of Keep Your Eyes Ahead, the fourth full-length from Portland duo the Helio Sequence, it’s almost the perfect compliment. Matching simple guitar lines and vocals with spacious production from the band, the record ebbs and flows with dreamy soundscapes that are easy to get lost in. Opener "Lately” is all shimmering post-rock, while "Can’t Say No” builds to a timeless chorus. Elsewhere, "Shed Your Love” creates perfect balladry from plucked guitar and orchestral synthesiser, while "Hallelujah” sums up their shoegaze-meets-indie rock sound on one track. Though far from original, Keep Your Eyes Ahead succeeds by embracing familiarity and offering up exceptional quality from every angle.