Portland duo Helio Sequence return with what is simply an astonishingly brilliant album. This is the poppiest, catchiest, grooviest, danciest record I've ever heard. It is also one of the best electro-pop-whatever records that I've come across in a long, long time. Which is a very good thing, as I was beginning to groan anytime anyone used the words "electronic" and "crossover" in the same sentence. This album has quelled my fears and filled a musical void I never knew that I had.

From the opener, the aptly titled "Harmonica Song", Helio Sequence display a maturity and broader knowledge of music than had been evident on their previous ventures. Smooth electronic beats in giddy, bounce-in-your seat time signatures litter this ecclectic monster, supported soundly by live drums, sequencers, synths, and guitars. Brandon Summer's vocals are an absolute perfect fit and round out the formula beautifully; this is an album Money Mark wishes he could create, poppy, upbeat, pleasing, and alive.

If you require an indie-cred barometer, imagine if The Postal Service made an upbeat rock-oriented record and you're pretty much there. I seriously cannot imagine many people who wouldn't enjoy this release and, as such, I can safely recommend this to hipsters and mainstreamers alike.

-Dave Mandell