Audra

On the band's first full album Audra leaves the heavy, overwrought side of goth for others — not that the Helms aren't committed to their art, but their approach relies on gentle restraint counterbalancing energy, resulting in a very attractive first effort. The group's two signature songs from earlier EPs, "In All Our Androgyny" and "In Hollywood Tonight," the latter dedicated to the legendary Rozz Williams after his untimely death, show these qualities in spades. The former seems like a title befitting a rampaging, glam-shout anthem, but the song is in fact a low-key charmer, moody and elegant. Vocalist Bret has a calm but not unemotional singing tone, exhibiting a quiet passion that suits the reflective tone of his lyrics very well. Sometimes his feeling is of extremely dry humor — "You're So Pretty" (with lyrics from Bart) is a great example, in that not many bondage scenarios get such a sweet little treatment, while "2 Girls in 1 Dress" has a killer title to begin with. Bart's guitar playing and drum programming both suit the album excellently as well. His fretwork, even at its loudest, feels more like strong shading rather than look-at-me crunch, while the understated rhythm pulses, often treated with echo, give the songs even more space. The introduction to "Spiked With Black and Rum" is a good example of this, the initial feedback wash giving way to a distant drum loop before Bret comes in with his singing. When the brothers turn up the energy level, as with the quicker feel of "What Your Eyes Had Seen," it isn't to fully explode. Thus, on said song the soothing synth backing contrasts against the guitar hook and drum/bass rumble, ensuring things remain seductively calming no matter what. Other songs of note include the minimal shimmer of "Flowers" and the calm majesty of "Nervous."