Keep Your Eyes Ahead

On 2008's KEEP YOUR EYES AHEAD, its second full-length album for Sub Pop, the Helio Sequence offers up another shimmering set of dreamy indie-rock. Gilding its songs with shoegaze, electronic, and folk elements, the Portland, Oregon-based duo, which consists of vocalist/guitarist Brandon Summers and keyboardist/drummer Benjamin Weikel, excels at textured, mid-tempo tunes, as best revealed on the chiming opener, "Lately," and the pulsing "Hallelujah." Given gravitas by Summers's deep voice and intense delivery, AHEAD also displays a gentler side of the band's aesthetic, particularly on the serene, acoustic-oriented "Shed Your Love." One of Sub Pop's most underrated acts, the Helio Sequence may win over a wider audience with this assured outing.