Helvetia, the project of Built To Spill bassist Jason Albertini, will release a new LP, Dromomania, on October 2nd via Joyful Noise. It's currently available for pre-order, with 500 VIP copies available on split color-splattered vinyl and packaged with bonus LP A Dot Running For The Dust - The Lost Sessions.
The band previously shared lead single "A Dot Running for the Dust," and they recently unveiled a video for the track that showcases their not-so-serious side. They also released haunting album track "Crumbs Like Saucers" today, via Consequence of Sound. You can listen below.
Helvetia (pronounced "hel-vee-shuh") is rounded out by Albertini's former Duster bandmate Dove Amber, Zeke Howard (formerly of Love As Laughter), Samantha Stifham, and Jim Roth (also of Built To Spill.)
Known for recording most of Helvetia's albums himself on a 4-track, Albertini's songs are raw, experimental, and psych-tinged. On Dromomania, he pairs the simplicity of '70s Kinks with the randomness of The Residents and a good dose of Captain Beefheart, topped off with influences that range from third-wave hardcore to Neu-like trance rock.
Helvetia heads out on tour next week, kicking things off with a string of live dates supporting Built To Spill. See below for a full list of upcoming shows.
Tour Dates:
9/29: Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
9/30: Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
10/1: Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
10/2: Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer*
10/3: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*
10/4: Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre*
10/6: Louisville, KY @ Headliners*
10/7: Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck*
10/8: Fort Collins, CO @ Downtown Artery
10/16: Vancouver, BC @ The Media Club
10/17: Seattle, WA @ Barboza
10/24: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
* with Built To Spill
