What makes The Original Faces by Helen notable?

The Original Faces received critical acclaim upon release, with several publications highlighting its innovative approach to shoegaze. The album's distinctive sound garnered positive reviews from outlets like Pitchfork and contributed to the resurgence of interest in lo-fi aesthetics in contemporary music. Released in 2015, The Original Faces is Helen's debut album, marking their entrance into the shoegaze scene after gaining attention for their unique sound. This record established them as a notable act within the underground music community, showcasing their ability to blend noise pop with introspective lyricism.

Who is The Original Faces for?

The Original Faces works well if you're into short, introspective listening sessions, wave-like pacing throughout album and ethereal background ambiance.

How many songs are on The Original Faces?

The Original Faces has 12 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

The Original Faces

Helen · 2015

32 min · 12 tracks · shoegaze

Atmospheric layers of reverb-drenched guitars create a hauntingly immersive soundscape punctuated by ethereal vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ryder — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its swirling guitars and melancholic melody, effectively capturing the essence of Helen's sonic landscape.
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Covered in Shade — At just over a minute long, this track encapsulates the band's ability to convey deep emotion through minimalistic instrumentation and evocative vocal delivery.
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Dying All the Time — This song explores themes of longing and despair, featuring layered harmonies that enhance its emotional weight and showcase the band's lyrical depth.
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The Original Faces — As the title track, it distills the album's themes into a brief but poignant moment, reflecting on identity and perception with haunting simplicity.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, introspective listening sessions
wave-like pacing throughout album
ethereal background ambiance
contemplative mood exploration

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2015, The Original Faces is Helen's debut album, marking their entrance into the shoegaze scene after gaining attention for their unique sound. This record established them as a notable act within the underground music community, showcasing their ability to blend noise pop with introspective lyricism.
Stylistic neighbors: Vision Eternel· Beach House· Dan Snaith

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Felt This Way

A shift in perspective occurs as the vocalist moves from introspective musings to addressing an undefined subject directly midway through the song.

This direct address transforms the song from personal reflection to a confrontational moment, creating a tension that amplifies the emotional stakes.

Tracklist

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

1 Ryder 3:16
2 Motorcycle 1:50
3 Covered in Shade 1:19
4 Felt This Way 4:00
5 Pass Me By 2:16
6 Right Outside 2:15
7 Allison 3:34
8 Dying All the Time 3:56
9 Grace 2:39
10 City Breathing 1:52
11 Violet 4:08
12 The Original Faces 1:34

What to play next

Full Helen discography Artists like Helen

shoegaze

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata