Helium (band)
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Mary Timony |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, singles |
Helium was a United States-based indie rock group fronted by Mary Timony. Established in 1992, the band produced two studio albums, three EPs, and multiple singles throughout the period from 1992 to 1997.
History
The band originally operated under the name "Chupa," featuring vocalist and guitarist Mary Lou Lord, guitarist Jason Hatfield (brother of Juliana Hatfield), drummer Shawn King Devlin, and bassist Brian Dunton. Both Devlin and Dunton had previous experience playing with Dumptruck. Shortly after forming, Timony, who had been part of Autoclave, replaced Lord, who was hesitant to perform with electric instruments. In 1991, Chupa independently released a cassette. Following Hatfield’s exit, the group rebranded as "Helium" and continued as a trio consisting of Devlin, Dunton, and Timony.[1]
Timony gained recognition for her unique vocal delivery, characterized by a raspy tone without vibrato and a monotone style. Their record label, Matador Records, likened her singing to that of Kim Wilde and Debbie Harry.[2]
Releases
The band's debut release was the 7" single "The American Jean" in 1993, followed by another 7" titled "Hole in the Ground." Their initial EP, Pirate Prude, was issued in 1994. Soon after, Dunton departed, and Polvo guitarist Ash Bowie, who was Timony's partner at the time, joined on bass. In 1995, Helium unveiled their first full-length album, The Dirt of Luck, and performed on Lollapalooza’s second stage. This album was succeeded by the four-track Superball EP. Producer Adam Lasus contributed to The Dirt of Luck, Pirate Prude, and all singles released up to 1995.
In 1997, the band released the EP No Guitars ahead of their sophomore album The Magic City, which marked a stylistic shift by incorporating synthesizers and analog drum machines, moving away from their earlier guitar-centric sound.
Reflecting on this evolution in a 1997 Boston Phoenix interview, Timony stated: "For someone my age at that time, expressing anger through music felt natural... Writing from anger is an easy approach, which is why I’ve moved away from it... Recently, I’m more focused on music being enjoyable. I want it to be a collaborative and creative process rather than using music as a means."
The band toured across the United States in early 1998 before ultimately disbanding.
Film and television
Helium made an appearance in the cult classic road film Half-cocked released in 1994. Additionally, their music videos for "Pat's Trick" and "XXX" were showcased on Beavis and Butt-head.
Post-Helium
Following Helium's breakup, Timony embarked on a solo career beginning in 2000; meanwhile, Bowie issued an album composed of earlier recordings under the name Libraness. Timony later became involved with bands such as Wild Flag and Ex Hex.
In March 2017, Matador Records re-released Helium’s two albums alongside a collection of rarities titled Ends With And. Subsequently, Timony toured twice in the United States performing "Mary Timony Plays Helium," supported by members of Hospitality, during 2017 and 2018.
Albums
| Title | Release Year | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| The Dirt of Luck | 1995 | Matador Records |
| The Magic City | 1997 | Matador Records |
EPs
| Title | Release Year | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| Pirate Prude | 1994 | Matador Records |
| Superball+ | 1995 | Matador Records |
| No Guitars | 1997 | Matador Records |
Singles
| Title | Release Year | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| "The American Jean" (b/w "Termite Tree") | 1992 | Warped Records |
| "Hole in the Ground" (b/w "Lucy") | 1993 | Pop Narcotic (orange vinyl) |
| "Pat's Trick" (b/w "Ghost Car") | 1995 | Matador Records |
Compilations
| Title | Release Year | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Stars Kill | 1994 | Kill Rock Stars |
| Half-Cocked - The Motion Picture Soundtrack | 1995 | Matador Records |
| Ends With And | 2017 | Matador Records |
Music videos
| Year Released | Song Title | Director Name | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | "XXX" | David Kleiler | Pirate Prude |
| 1995 | "Pat's Trick" | David Kleiler | The Dirt of Luck |
| 1995 | "Superball" | Tryan George | The Dirt of Luck |
| 1995 | "Honeycomb" | Brett Vapnek | The Dirt of Luck |
| 1997 | "Leon's Space Song" | The Magic City |