H Is for Hellgate
| Company type | Indie pop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
H is for Hellgate was an indie pop group operating out of Seattle between 2007 and 2009.
History
Jamie Henkensiefken, the lead vocalist, moved from Missoula, Montana to Seattle in 2002. The band produced two full-length albums: their eponymous debut released through Stereotype Records on February 15, 2007, and Come for the Peaks, Stay for the Valleys, which came out on Scissor City Sound on December 2, 2008, with production by Mark Mercer. While the initial album was recorded at home, the follow-up was created at Avast! Recording Company. The band's name is inspired by a canyon located in Missoula. They dissolved in July 2009, concluding with a final show at Seattle’s Comet Tavern. Both records were reviewed by music critic Robert Christgau. Additionally, bassist Ben Baier participates in We Wrote the Book on Connectors, and Jamie currently performs with Eighteen Individual Eyes.
Critical reception
The Eugene Weekly likened H Is for Hellgate's sound to that of At the Drive-In and Sleater-Kinney, pointing out that Henkensiefken's singing style was reminiscent of Alison Mosshart. Gene Stout of the Seattle PI characterized their music as "an intriguing combination of folk, pop, indie rock, progressive rock, and classical influences, infused with a strong riot grrrl spirit."
H is for Hellgate (2007)
Out There Monthly highlighted Jamie Henkensiefken’s emotive vocals as the band’s defining strength. The debut album received a 5.6/10 rating from Three Imaginary Girls, who noted its dual identity: part guitar-driven rock comparable to Silversun Pickups or Metric, and part vocal-centered pop similar to Death Cab for Cutie. Megan Seling from the Stranger offered a more critical perspective, describing the album as "forgettable."
Come for the Peaks, Stay for the Valleys (2008)
This release was ranked sixth among Seattle albums of 2008 by Nada Mucho, and placed twenty-third in Northwest releases by Three Imaginary Girls. Robert Christgau remarked, "A woman delivers her harsh realities, which her guitar either supports or contests." The Missoula Independent commended its artistry and drew parallels between Henkensiefken and Liz Phair. Seattle Magazine emphasized the band’s adaptability across punk, alternative folk, and progressive rock genres while praising lead singer Jamie Henkensiefken’s vocal versatility. Megan Seling of the Stranger reviewed it positively, noting '90s post-rock influences and comparing songs like "Copernicus and Me" and "Dusk at Devil's Tower" to acts such as Jawbox and Bikini Kill.
Discography
- H Is for Hellgate (Stereotype, 2007)
- Come For the Peaks, Stay For the Valleys (Scissor City Sound, 2008)