Theatrics in music are most commonly found on the stage. Be it pyrotechnics, dry ice, CO2 cannons or Gene Simmons in a harness flying over your head, they’re a visual aid used to enhance the music. Every now and again, though, a band appears with it integrated into their music; a band that can take the dramatics and excitement and weave it into their art. Hellions, a quartet hailing from Sydney, Australia, are one of those bands. While their last album ‘Opera Oblivia’ dipped its toes in theatre, new record ‘Rue’ is a far more immersive experience. A slick, fun, emotional, ever evolving chunk of brilliance.
‘Rue’ is a concept album, dealing with our journey towards lasting purpose in spite of our flaws. The tracks divide into the pessimistic and humanitarian sides of life, examining characteristics of both. Album openers ‘(Blueberry)’ and ‘Odyssey’ cover the high consciousness of our generation, and how it’s bred a culture of big egos and opportunism. The infectious and catchy lead single ‘X (Mwah)’ is about abandoning hope for recklessness. ’27’ documents the never ending quest for happiness, regardless of how tough life might be. The balance between both sides of this album is evenly spread, but the consistent topic that flows through it is hope. Hope for our present and hope for our future. Hellions have always championed this positivity, using it as fuel for every release.
What makes this record stand out, though, is the music. While lyrics paint the picture for the theatre, the music provides a detailed and colourful landscape that enhances that picture. ‘Smile’ is a groove-ridden powerhouse, jam packed with huge chords and funky verses. ‘The Lotus’ is one of the darker spots of the album, creeping along at a bouncy tempo along with haunting vocal melodies and ever developing instrumentation. The music on its own is impressive enough, but what makes is even more impressive is the fact that its vibe often juxtaposes the lyrics. Pessimistic lyrics are often married with big uplifting melodies. More positive passages blur into dark and brooding chords. For every yin, there is a yang to counter-balance it. On the surface, ‘Rue’ is a solid and well written album. But on a deeper and more intricate listen, this is an impressive and very clever record.
Green Day said that ‘American Idiot’ was like a rock opera. My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’ sits in that category too. Now, so does ‘Rue’. The story that it tells is gripping, and the picture it paints is both detailed and beautiful. And the music? Stunning. It’s melodic. It’s powerful. It’s tasteful. It’s pumped full of emotion, honesty, joy and pain, holding your attention throughout. It’s as close to going to the theatre as you can get without actually being there. If it sounds this good on record, imagine watching it live. Hellions are a special band, and ‘Rue’ is a special album. One of the essential listens of 2018.
DAVE STEWART