Helvetia (band)


Helvetia is an indie rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2005. The name Helvetia is a personification of Switzerland, the childhood home of bandleader and primary songwriter Jason Albertini.

Musical career

Jason Albertini started Helvetia after the dissolution of the band Duster.
Helvetia's first record, The Clever North Wind, was released in 2006 on the Static Cult Label and distributed by Up Records. Their first national exposure was achieved by touring with Built to Spill. Helvetia is produced and performed by Jason Albertini and sustained by a rotating live line-up, which has included C. Dove Amber, Jim Roth, Scott Plouf, Zeke Howard, and Samantha Stidham.
Their third release, Headless Machine of the Heart was released in 2008. The record was recorded entirely on a 4-track tape machine.
In 2012, Helvetia released the album Nothing in Rambling on Joyful Noise Recordings.
Helvetia released Dromomania on Joyful Noise on October 2, 2015.
In December 2022, Helvetia released Get Lost & Other Dimensions and announcing that Albertini, now the sole member of Helvetia, was " this phase of Helvetia. I'm dealing with a health issue that's going to put me on ice for a while." Later in March 2023, along with the release of Dream Faster, Albertini announced two other albums being released a week apart from each other, and also said, "If you are worried that I'm releasing too much music just remember that it will stop eventually", which concerned fans.
On August 1, 2023, Helvetia released The Beach At The Edge Of The World, which Albertini called "the last Helvetia album". Two years later, Albertini surprise-released ''Welcome the Summer Heartbreak.''

Discography

Studio albums

The Clever North Wind The Acrobats Headless Machine of the Heart Helvetia's Junk Shop On the Lam Nothing in Rambling Nothing but Ringo Dromomania A Dot Running for the Dust Fantastic Life This Devastating Map Essential Aliens Presents Sudden Hex Ugly Truth Dishes Are Never Done but Good Luck 28 Songs & $3 Dollar Tears Star Gazer Trials Get Lost & Other Dimensions You Shot Past the Moon Scapegoat Dream Faster Dream Faster II Dream Faster III Heuristic Hindsight Blues The Beach at the Edge of the World
  • ''Welcome the Summer Heartbreak''

Compilation albums

Gladness Camp Century Sessions The Original Gladness Tape
  • ''Gladness II 2001-2006''

EPs

  • ''Sun Chasers''

Singles

Tears of Rage Sing Songs by the Amazing Thinking Fellers Union 282 Spooky Action at the Sufferbus Crumbs Like Saucers/The Road Crew Christmas Time Is Here Helvetia Xmas
  • ''Helvetia''