Since Helium's formation in 1992, the band has evolved quickly and dramatically from feminist punk-type stuff to beautiful pop music. Their 1995 full-length debut on Matador brought forth rave reviews and is a phenomenal example of what Mary Timony and company are capable of when they really put their hearts into it.

Helium's most recent effort, a six-song EP called No Guitars, is an incredible piece of work as well. Almost a concept record, it contains songs of a fairy tale- like nature.

But peaceful it isn't. Just when you've got the opening track, "Silver Strings" pegged as a softly-strummed, whispery ballad, it explodes in your face like a time bomb you've just cut the blue wire on. The only truly fairiesque melody here is that of "13 Bees," an instrumental piece that's more impressive than stuff even Bach has written.

Helium just keep getting better and better. And No Guitars might be their best record yet. Their second full-length album is slated for an August release. We'll see what the future holds.

-Ryan Schreiber