Minneapolis musician Tim Helmen has a unique gift in composing lyrics. Written on a page, the words would come together as poetry. Helmen is also a professional guitarist and provides his own accompaniment to his lyrics. However, it is as a vocalist that Helmen falters. It is difficult for any musician to try to do two things at the same time. You can't sing and project those wonderful lyrics when you are playing the acoustic guitar with rhythmic accompaniment. Something has to give and here it is the vocals.
Of the ten selections on this CD, there are three -- "unchallenged echoes," "when the phone rings" and "the visitor" -- which stand out. Here, Helmen does pull vocals, lyrics and guitar together and had this been done for the entire CD, the production would have been wonderful. Unfortunately, one of the less powerful songs, "dance you a story" begins the CD. Lyrics aren't as clear and I wish that "when the phone rings" would have been the first selection instead, perhaps even giving the CD the title of "when the phone rings." Other selections that are less powerful are "long shot" and "the name on the stone."
Now for the good stuff. Tim Helmen shows merit in "unchallenged echoes" as the person says "...I shout it in the caverns where I've locked myself away and hear unchallenged echoes ring again." Then there is the song "when the phone rings" about a person summoning their courage "...wish I had the nerve to dance...there might be no second chance when the phone rings..." Of particular notice is "the visitor" where a stranger enters the lives of people to give hope, "...then he drew us in close with a whisper that flashed like a flame...the clouds were ripped open, the sunshine broke through..."
Tim Helmen is a gifted artist and his first CD definitely shows promise. His lyrics are poetic, decisive and hopefully, with a second CD all selections will be clear.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
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