Mary Timony's not your average riot grrl these days-- not like she used to be, anyway. No, this is an entirely new lady with a lot more to say.

Like its predecessor, Helium's No Guitars EP, The Magic City conjures up visions of secret fantasy worlds, dragons and unicorns. And while those things are usually associated with pre- teen girlie- girls, Timony shows that she hasn't regressed. Rather, she's progressed. Not actually all that impressed with fantasy and science fiction, she appears to use the imagery strictly as symbolism, an escape from daily life.

In the musical realm, The Magic City has more power, energy and pop smarts than any of the band's previous releases, as just about any track can be cited as an example of musical experience. From the opening left- hook of "Vibrations" to the Joni Mitchell's- alter- ego melody of "Aging Astronauts" to the swirling, orchestra hit spirits of "Clementine," The Magic City is Helium at the top of their game.

-Ryan Schreiber