Friendship Examined: Sister Helen – “Friend”

Sister Helen

“Friend”

Sister Helen

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.  After making a long list of perfect prog albums, Sister Helen is releasing their final, farewell album, which is a shame, because they will definitely be missed.  Always finding their own route musically, Sister Helen has always been one of the most interesting band ever.

“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.”

This seems to be the album for most of my relationships, and I’m sure a lot of you understand this whole problem.  I believe that such feelings about friendship have never been explored so well and thoroughly as they have been by Sister Helen.  You will be missed.  If you like The Mars Volta, you’ll love Sister Helen.