Heligoland
A Street Between Us
Alone Again/MGM

I can't say it often enough: J Walker, more often known as Machine Translations, is a genius. Not only is his own music impeccable but everything he touches turns to gold. Now I know that Walker could not have been responsible for the disconcerting beauty of Karen Vogt's voice (quite clearly the most exquisitely melancholic voice I've heard in a very long time, if not ever); but let's just say he makes wise choices when it comes to production projects. Heligoland's 'A Street Between Us' is understated, ambitious and stunning, and is likely to be one of the most amazing Australian records of the year.

Nearly Everything Is New starts things off spectacularly, featuring a harmony so alarming it becomes hypnotic. Look Out Ahead builds to a sound that is somehow both huge, yet still affectingly small (don't ask me how). Parachute Fields launches out of a guitar melody that floats over you, watchfully, and a drumbeat that changes, one beat at a time, without warning. Almost People is the musical equivalent of spaceflight, just as Red Pocket descends several kilometres into the earth's crust.

The natural talents and personality of Heligoland match Walker's impressive musical and arrangement sensibilities delightfully. It sometimes dives a little to keenly off the slow end, and is somewhat more suited to light ambience than intense concentration; but for Vogt's voice alone, 'A Street Between Us' is surely a standout.

Ben Revi