The self-titled concept record serves as SISTER HELEN‘s formal farewell after nearly 15 years as a band and explores themes of what it really means to care for other people. The story of this band and their swan song is something really special, and we’re stoked to share it with you, including lead single, “Friend”, available for streaming below. Listen below and be sure to check them live serving their final bow at Shea Stadium on January 13th.
“Since forming about 14 years ago, Brooklyn-based prog-punk-rockers Sister Helen have consistently moved ahead with an incendiary energy, questioning and playing with stylistic norms.” – Speak Into My Good Eye
“Sister Helen is one of those rare, hypnotic bands that spring out like a hidden gem. They demand attention.” – The Alternative
The story of Brooklyn-born and raised prog-punk band Sister Helen reaches as far back as pre-school for Eva Lawitts (bass/vox) and Clint Mobley (drums). Officially forming in 2003 while the two lifelong friends were in middle school, Sister Helen would add Nathan J. Campbell (lead vox) in 8th grade and Chris Krasnow (guitar/vox) in 10th.
Having lived full lives as DIY musicians, despite still being so young, and with Campbell due to move to Istanbul, Sister Helen is now preparing to release a final, self-titled concept album due out January 13th.
With humble beginnings that stretch from all ages gigs at Liberty Heights Tap Room to present day, Sister Helen has been at the forefront of challenging, underground rock having been a played countless venues come and gone in the ever evolving NYC landscape. Touring the country on self-booked tours in recent years, the band hit a collective breaking point having pushed each other to the brink. It was this desperate energy going into the studio knowing they were recording their swan song that informs the dark, dynamic sounds and concepts across the 12 tracks.
“It’s a concept album about friendship and helplessness,” shares Lawitts. “There’s no specific narrative, but every song examines the underlying themes from a different angle. There are two perspectives, that of the ‘Friend’ (who pleads throughout the album ‘please help me’) and that of the ‘Finest Mind’ (who cries back ‘I’m so sorry I can’t help you’). These two characters sing to and about each other, trying to make sense of their relationship but are simultaneously being ruled by overwhelming doubt, narcissism and impotence.”
Look for more from Sister Helen leading up to the release of their final album with a farewell show planned for January 9th at Shea Stadium.
