Since 2007 Tacoma based Helms Alee have been rocking the area with their original brand of grunge. This trio that consists of Ben Verellen, Dana James, and Hozoji Matheson-margullis have made an art out of jamming. They intricately weave their instruments together into melodies and rhythms that are simultaneously heavy and melodic. Despite each member taking turns on vocals the group tends to limit them in favor of more intricate instrumentals.

Their latest release, Weatherhead, was released in 2010 and features a wide array of dynamics. Tracks such as "An Epic Adventure Through The Wood," show off the trio's ability to mix quiet, melodic sections with more intense, aggressive ones. The melodic parts are accompanied by female vocals with the intense ones displaying Ben's screaming ability. Their use of fuzz and distortion is masterful and forever interesting. This trio is exactly what is missing from the commercial crap music that dominates the airwaves these days. Helms Alee gives me hope that there is actually unique, non computer generated music being created.

Thank you Helms Alee for restoring my faith in music originality.

Catch them at the Capitol Hill Block Party on Saturday, July 21st playing the Cha Cha Stage. Their set starts at 9:45 PM