By: Jenny An

Helvetia's The Acrobats is what Jack Johnson wishes he could be. The man who'd like to think of him as the soundtrack to long summers on the beach, guitar and joint in hand, has met his match. Throw in an organ, winding melodies and some distortion pedals and you've got what should be playing during while watching sunsets and sipping lemonade.

The psych-rock, lo-fi band is one member short of Duster and produced by Jim Roth of Built to Spill, the Seattle-based band's sound has been reigned in with sharper melodies and more meandering guitar solos for their second album. Released on March 23 on Up Records, most of the meanness from their previous album, The Clever North Wind, is gone. There's a lot of play with style in this one – from jazz to country – and to interesting effect. Noise vibrates in the background, of songs like Moving that Behind creating aural curiosity.

More experimentation is not the only way Roth left his mark, Jason Albertini's voice sounds eerily similar to Doug Martsch's at points. Recorded in Roth's home studio, every guitar stroke is fuzzy and distorted, blending with drums, vocals and organ to create a warm ambience. It's cozy and nostalgic, hot chocolate to your ears.

On this album, Helvetia shows the variety of what they can do. From jazzy, guitar solos on "What It Did," to freak-pop with a screech-noise wall-of-sound on "Blasting Carolina" its original music that's still accessible. The album is diverse enough to never be boring but a strong guitar them and steady, throbbing drum beats keep it cohesive.

 "Old New Bicycle" is the standout song of the album with a repetitive drum line and intricate guitar-work. It shows off the best aspects of the album. Stop-and-go guitar and catchy theme makes for as danceable and hummable as psychedelic gets.

This isn't one of those albums you listen to. It fills heads with dreamy ambrosia and shoulders with the need to sway. It's not dance, but it's definitely groovy.

There are few new tricks and turns on The Acrobats but that doesn't mean it's bad. Helvetia's new album is a mellow stew of lo-fi and psychedelic influences. You've heard these tricks before but the end result is nice and perfect for long drives and chilling out.  

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MP3: Helvetia