Heldon

Exploring "Heldon II - Allez-Téia"

"Heldon II - Allez-Téia" is the second studio album by the French experimental project Heldon, released in 1975 on Richard Pinhas's own Disjuncta label. This album sees a collaboration primarily between Richard Pinhas and Georges Grünblatt. Both artists bring a unique blend of electric and acoustic guitars, along with synthesizers like the ARP and VCS3, to create a distinct soundscape. Guest guitarists Alain Renaud and Alain Bellaïche contribute to specific tracks, enhancing the album's sonic texture.

Concept and Title

The title of the album, "Allez-Téia," plays on the ancient Greek term "aletheia," which translates to truth or disclosure. This philosophical underpinning shapes the album's intricate, atmospheric compositions. The music is characterized by a complete absence of drums and percussion, which allows the focus to shift to the rich interplay of sounds created by guitars and synthesizers.

Musical Composition

Musically, "Heldon II - Allez-Téia" offers an acoustic-electronic blend that draws inspiration from artists like Robert Fripp and Brian Eno. The album features tape delay guitar loops that create a meditative quality throughout the tracks. Sweeping Mellotron chords and expansive analog synthesizer soundscapes contribute to the ambient nature of the work. Noteworthy tracks include "In The Wake Of King Fripp," which pays homage to Fripp himself, as well as "Aphanisis" and "Omar Diop Blondin."

Artistic Presentation

The front cover photo for the album was taken by Gilles Caron, adding a visual dimension to the release. The artwork complements the experimental nature of the music inside, providing listeners with a complete sensory experience. The combination of sound and visual art reflects the avant-garde spirit of the 1970s music scene in France.

"Heldon II - Allez-Téia" stands out for its innovative approach to sound and structure, offering a unique listening experience in the realms of electronic and experimental rock. The album was released in 1975 and features a lineup that includes Richard Pinhas on electric and acoustic guitars, ARP and VCS3 synthesizers, and Mellotron.