Name: Essential Aliens
Brand: Helvetia

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

375 Media

Total Cap

Format detail

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: No

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2021-11-19

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

149112

UPC / Barcode

602309893842

Ltd.Clear Vinyl

146053

753936908062

Artist

Helvetia

Label EU

Joyful Noise

Genre EU

Indie Pop / Shoegaze

Joyful Noise is an independent music label based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since its establishment in the early 2000s, the label has been dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of *artists* and their unique musical styles.

With a passion for supporting innovative and boundary-pushing music, Joyful Noise has become known for its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering creative growth. The label's roster includes both established *performers* and up-and-coming artists who are making waves in the industry.

As an e-commerce website, we are proud to offer a curated selection of albums, merchandise, and limited edition releases from Joyful Noise's impressive catalog. Whether you're a fan of indie rock, experimental pop, or avant-garde sounds, there's something here for everyone who appreciates exceptional music.

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

Newest Listed Items

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 EU