Help cover

Help

Osees · 2009

36 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A wild blend of garage punk and psychedelic noise that pulsates with frenetic energy and experimental spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ruby Go Home — This track showcases a perfect balance of melody and chaos, with haunting vocals layered over vibrant instrumentals that encapsulate the album's spirit.
  • →
    Meat Step Lively — Its relentless tempo and driving riffs create an infectious energy, representing the band's garage rock roots while hinting at their experimental tendencies.
  • →
    Go Meet the Seed — The expansive length and complex structure allow for a deep exploration of sound textures, highlighting Osees' adventurous approach to songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic blend of punk and psychedelic elements showcases inventive songwriting and strong production.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more experimental sounds in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and unconventional song structures, creating a sense of unpredictability.
  • The use of layered guitar effects and feedback creates a dense soundscape that often obscures traditional melodic lines.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • frenetic energy for active listening
  • early rush with gradual cool-down
  • short bursts of chaotic fun
  • for spontaneous gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, slow builds
  • seek polished mainstream production

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Help is the third studio album by Osees, marking their evolution into a more experimental sound after their breakthrough album, The Master’s Bedroom Is Worth Spending a Night In. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its reputation as a key player in the garage rock revival and expanding its musical palette.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Enemy Destruct 3:19
  • 2 Ruby Go Home 4:22
  • 3 Meat Step Lively 2:48
  • 4 A Flag in the Court 2:01
  • 5 The Turn Around 1:03
  • 6 Can You See? 2:35
  • 7 Rainbow 1:46
  • 8 Go Meet the Seed 5:53
  • 9 I Can't Get No 1:58
  • 10 Soda St. #1 2:40
  • 11 Destroyed Fortress Reappears 5:23
  • 12 Peanut Butter Oven 2:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata