Crystal City

By Patrick Tape Fleming

Crystal City’s new album Change represents the results of a well-conceived collaboration between Dave Helmer and Sam Drella, two artists who’ve built up considerable goodwill in the Iowa music scene with first-rate song craft.

In the past few years several bands have put Marshalltown, Iowa on the map as a musical Mecca; Modern Life is War and Land of Blood and Sunshine have both made fantastic albums that have a real depth and beauty! You should now add Crystal City to that list!

The new album Change is a brainy, emotionally charged, and melodically rich group of songs. The home production lends to the beauty of the down-tempo acoustic numbers, while it also adds an extra boost of energy to the more upbeat pop songs! Most of all, their vocals sound great together whether singing in harmony or trading off parts. It’s an album that reveals its charms through repeat listens, and makes a listener wonder how the band can master so many different musical styles via multiple vocalists while still maintaining a fiercely cohesive sound.

It’s tough to compare Crystal City to anything else going on in Iowa right now. The male/female vocals have the swoon of a Gram Parsons/ Emmylou Harris collaboration, but the production reminds me of the early New Pornographers records.

Everything about this new record is fantastic from the album art to the track order! Change will easily find itself on numerous year-end best of Iowa album lists! Keep an eye on this band, they are one to watch!

The album will be released on Triple Edge Records on May 20, 2014

For more info on Crystal City:

www.crystalcitymusic.com

www.crystalcity.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/crystalcitymusic - Des Moines Music Coalition

Written by Bruce James Bales

I dislike the word “review.” For me, it’s more like thank you for making this music for me to listen to and write about instead of implying that I would suggest some change to the album you are about to read about. I could never really “review” an album because I can’t make music. I have no authority as a musician, only as a listener. I only know what I think sounds good. Somewhere along the line someone decided that I should have authority as a writer and communicator, so if you’re still reading you will receive an opinion. By all means, finish this article, but don’t take my word for it. The best thing you can do after reading this is to listen to the album for yourself and let it influence you as it may.

“It’s not the way you glance it’s the way you stare”

Sincerity is scarce.

I first heard Crystal City at the Vaudeville Mews on February 22nd, 2014. At that point they were one of the Iowa bands I had heard a lot about but never seen. The main thing I took away from that show it that I had just heard some honest songwriters. From song to song I found myself laughing because the words and sounds I was hearing were so up front and truthful. They weren’t dressing anything up. Dave, Sam, Dan, and Brock of Crystal City showed me a glimpse of sincerity that is rare.

Crystal City’s sincerity carries over to their new album “Change,” which is slated to be released on the 20th of this month. Although you probably missed them playing at the Mews on the 3rd of this month, you can listen to their new album on their Bandcamp page. That’s what I did.

I first listened to the album on the second floor of the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a track like “The Best Way” leading off, I quickly had to turn down my headphones. What immediately struck me was once again the simple, clear, and effective lyricism. It helped that Crystal City provides the lyrics to their songs on their Bandcamp (which more artists should do). As I listened and read along, I jotted down my favorite lyrics and some random notes.

“You come round, oh back to this town and mess with my head once again”

Right away I picked up on an overall theme. Okay, make fun of me for bringing theme up right away, but the literature student inside me gravitates to it. Crystal City provided me with what equated to an incredibly rich and honest depiction of the current of love and human relationships. From start to finish, I was paying attention and recalling times when I echoed the same sentiments I was hearing in my ears. Crystal City’s music is relatable, likeable, and passionate. Like any good love affair “Change” bounces around from reflective acoustic tracks to hyped electric surprises. The energy is true to life. It is always changing. The ebb and flow. The ups and downs.

“I could never change, but I’m trying”

“Change” has variety. It’s not the same song over and over again. Instead it becomes a narrative. Crystal City has effectively created a story within these 11 tracks. There is much to be learned from tracks like “Give Me a Kiss” and “Little Italy.” The chapters of this story are ones listeners can insert themselves into, for everyone has lived the scenes Crystal City presents. Everyone has missed someone; lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and wondering what that person is doing. Everyone has promised to change and failed. Everyone has wanted to be better for someone else. But, it’s larger than that. It really not about love or relationships, it’s about being honest with yourself. We are all confused and doing our best. We can try to change, but can we? Do we change? These were the questions I was faced with after repeatedly listening to this album. They are questions that need to be asked.

Just asking the question is a sign of sincerity. “Change” doesn’t deal with disingenuous topics. It’s about real life and real love. You can hear it on almost every track, and more importantly you can feel it. It is the type of album that can help you come to terms with not only people you’ve loved, but also with yourself. Crystal City’s efforts almost force you to look inward. They call upon you to feel something. They sing you a song of sincerity and hope you hear them clearly. - Band Bombshell

I just listened to this again tonight for the first time in a little while, and I'm feeling very energized as a result. We've had the privilege of performing with Crystal City several times since the group's inception, and it's always a pleasure to watch and listen to them weave their live magic time and time again. It's also very satisfying to know that while there are some groups whose studio records seem to pale in comparison to their live charm, this group has gotten it right with its debut release.

"Crystal City" was released last year on Sleep On The Floor Records to a simultaneously suspecting and unsuspecting audience. Dave Helmer has been on the music scene for many years and has released a fair amount of engaging material through his other projects. Not unlike The Weepies, however, his finest work to date has been realized through this collaboration with the wonderful Sam Drella. This dynamic duo has delivered an honest, inviting and thoroughly fulfilling batch of songs through stellar performances and appropriately raw production. When talking about other select artists, "raw" can sometimes be a code word for "sloppy". In this case, "raw" simply means capturing the moment in its purest form. The record sounds good, make no mistake, but you won't find much here in the realm of extra bells, whistles and general studio trickery. When the source material is this solid, you don't need anything else to make it shine.

This record hooks you instantly with the starting bars of "Falling Behind", and it just keeps getting better as it progresses. Although this release only contains seven songs of average length, making it an EP in my book, there's a definite evolution to the songs and you won't end up in the same place you started from. I consider this to be a huge compliment. This approach commands your attention while still allowing you to relax as you listen. It's something I strive to achieve in my own releases, and it's nice to see other groups with similar values. I've heard entirely too many albums in which each song is the same tempo, written in the same key and delivered with the same lyrical approach. "Crystal City" keeps me interested. It's obvious that the group takes its craft very seriously.

All of the songs here are keepers. I will make specific mention of a couple, though, that always manage to leave my jaw on the floor. "Sleep It Off, Suzie" is a full-on dissertation on how to write a really, really good song. Now, of course, there are many different types of "songs", and the intention of this song is completely different than the intention of, say, King Crimson's "Level Five" or Deftones' "Teething". Let's keep it all in context. In this context, Dave Helmer (apparently) tried to write a very catchy, very relatable acoustic pop song with witty lyrics and a terrific melody that drips charm while maintaining a sense of artistic integrity. If that was his goal, he certainly achieved it. Take notes. This is good songwriting, people. The other song I just have to make special mention of is "The Cleaner Me". This is a really, really, really cool fucking song. Sam Drella brought some very gripping lyrics to the table to compliment the very dynamic instrumental on this one. The track has a very fascinating build, and the climax is huge. Note the "shh" just before the bridge explodes. Perfection. It's the little things that matter, and this release has billions of them from start to finish.

Listening to "Crystal City" makes me smile. It's a very rewarding debut, and it makes me very curious to hear what they pull out for the next album. Namaste.

Favorite cuts: "Sleep It Off, Suzie", "Secret For The Two of Us", "The Cleaner Me".

- Austin - Austin Taft Blog

In the magical time of Saturday night, before the latest round of ridiculous weather, I found myself at the grand opening of M-Town's latest addition to the social scene, Oasis.
I'm reticent to name the location, since the place will all too soon be filled with numerous customers; all the while leaving me at the back of the line, vainly waving my press pass in an attempt to get preferential service.

So this is the part where I would try to convince you how great of a time it was. Sure, I could tell you that Crystal City blew the roof of the place, that Land of Blood and Sunshine put on an excellent show (despite their ability to never believe they did a good job) or that watching the Iowa City band The Men From Beyond look at you like YOU'RE the strange one when you ask "why does your 80s era motorcycle helmet say 'timespace patrol?'"

But maybe you don't know who any of those people are. Maybe you wouldn't understand when I say that going to an grand opening and seeing a man that was an unintentional doppelganger for Father Guido Sarducci is an occurrence of rarity on par with stumbling over a pile of cash. Maybe you're already mad at the idea that this post may end with a "you had to be there" hipster cop out.

Well, worry not. My life long struggle against the forces of Hipsterism may stop one day, but today is not that day. All I need to explain to you how great the grand opening was all I have to say to you is this: I woke up about an hour ago; look at the time this is posted ... what more could you want in a party?

Alright, against my better judgment, Oasis on East Main Street, across street from the Orpheum. Ok I told you were it is, but please, let me cut in line. - Show Review

Formed last summer in Marshalltown, Crystal City is the folk-pop lovechild of Dave Helmer and Sam Drella who cite ’70s singer-songwriters Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris and Paul Westerberg as influences on their debut, self-titled album recently released by Des Moines-based Sleep On the Floor Records. To an extent, Helmer and Drella have adopted the musically spacious, singer-songwriter format of the ’70s in building the framework of their music. However, lyrically and in chord structures, they seem to be more akin to modern day indie-rock bands. Bouncing tunes like “Baby Says She Loves Me” and “Sleep It Off, Suzie” find the duo’s harmonies at their best, as Helmer and Drella demonstrate musical compatibility. But Drella’s soaring vocal part on the bluesy ballad “Bricks” excels. CV - Cityview

Formed last summer in Marshalltown, Crystal City is the folk-pop lovechild of Dave Helmer and Sam Drella who cite ’70s singer-songwriters Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris and Paul Westerberg as influences on their debut, self-titled album recently released by Des Moines-based Sleep On the Floor Records. To an extent, Helmer and Drella have adopted the musically spacious, singer-songwriter format of the ’70s in building the framework of their music. However, lyrically and in chord structures, they seem to be more akin to modern day indie-rock bands. Bouncing tunes like “Baby Says She Loves Me” and “Sleep It Off, Suzie” find the duo’s harmonies at their best, as Helmer and Drella demonstrate musical compatibility. But Drella’s soaring vocal part on the bluesy ballad “Bricks” excels. CV - Cityview

A small, but appreciative crowd enjoyed a drummer-less night of music as a solo act and two duos took the stage, engulfing ears in sweet acoustic sounds. Black Ambient Manifesto was first and offered decent songs but struggled to get through them without stopping due to forgotten lyrics. His nerves may have got the best of him, but after taking a few swigs from his glass and some deep breaths, he ended his set error free.

I have been digging Crystal City’s recent self-titled EP (out now on Sleep on the Floor Records) and was eager to see them live. Dave Helmer (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Sam Drella (vocals and one hell of a whistler) melt together with terrific harmonies and musical precision. Helmer’s guitar skills lead the way, clearing a path for Drella and her rich vocals. The great set included “Baby Says She Loves Me,” “Sleep It Off, Suzie” and the slow burn of “Falling Behind.” They ended with “Bricks,” a folkie/bluesy tune that should convert any listener into a fan.

The Lonesome Heroes, of Austin, Texas, closed the show with a set of alt country ditties. The duo, Rich (vocals, guitar) and the sexy Landry (vocals, dobro, guitar), weaved in and out of songs with entertaining banter. As fans cheered for “Don’t Play to Lose,” I found myself mesmerized with Landry’s husky vocals (or maybe her pigtails and cowboy boots?) on “Canary.” Either way, their twangy tunes stuck with me long after the last note. CV — Jared Curtis - Cityview

A small, but appreciative crowd enjoyed a drummer-less night of music as a solo act and two duos took the stage, engulfing ears in sweet acoustic sounds. Black Ambient Manifesto was first and offered decent songs but struggled to get through them without stopping due to forgotten lyrics. His nerves may have got the best of him, but after taking a few swigs from his glass and some deep breaths, he ended his set error free.

I have been digging Crystal City’s recent self-titled EP (out now on Sleep on the Floor Records) and was eager to see them live. Dave Helmer (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Sam Drella (vocals and one hell of a whistler) melt together with terrific harmonies and musical precision. Helmer’s guitar skills lead the way, clearing a path for Drella and her rich vocals. The great set included “Baby Says She Loves Me,” “Sleep It Off, Suzie” and the slow burn of “Falling Behind.” They ended with “Bricks,” a folkie/bluesy tune that should convert any listener into a fan.

The Lonesome Heroes, of Austin, Texas, closed the show with a set of alt country ditties. The duo, Rich (vocals, guitar) and the sexy Landry (vocals, dobro, guitar), weaved in and out of songs with entertaining banter. As fans cheered for “Don’t Play to Lose,” I found myself mesmerized with Landry’s husky vocals (or maybe her pigtails and cowboy boots?) on “Canary.” Either way, their twangy tunes stuck with me long after the last note. CV — Jared Curtis - Cityview

Straight outta Marshalltown, IA is Crystal City - a country/folk rock band ready for your listening pleasures. I'm usually impressed more with bands debut albums, rather than what they eventually become. I think that a debut album really shows what a band is going for. It's what they're pouring their blood, sweat and tears into. It's like a first impression. You can make yourself or break yourself with a debut album. Well, congrats go out to Crystal City, because I like this album.

Crystal City is a nice, relaxing folky, Country duet between Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. It's got everything you need to sit out on a sunny, summer day and enjoy yourself (take that however you want). Some songs that really stick out here are BABY SAYS SHE LOVES ME, SLEEP IT OFF SUZIE, BRICKS, and FALLING BEHIND.

Once again, SLEEP ON THE FLOOR records has discovered a rare gem that is sure to be around for a while. If you get a chance to catch them on tour, please feel free to do it. Crystal City gets my seal of approval.
- Andy - Biggest Letdown

Straight outta Marshalltown, IA is Crystal City - a country/folk rock band ready for your listening pleasures. I'm usually impressed more with bands debut albums, rather than what they eventually become. I think that a debut album really shows what a band is going for. It's what they're pouring their blood, sweat and tears into. It's like a first impression. You can make yourself or break yourself with a debut album. Well, congrats go out to Crystal City, because I like this album.

Crystal City is a nice, relaxing folky, Country duet between Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. It's got everything you need to sit out on a sunny, summer day and enjoy yourself (take that however you want). Some songs that really stick out here are BABY SAYS SHE LOVES ME, SLEEP IT OFF SUZIE, BRICKS, and FALLING BEHIND.

Once again, SLEEP ON THE FLOOR records has discovered a rare gem that is sure to be around for a while. If you get a chance to catch them on tour, please feel free to do it. Crystal City gets my seal of approval.
- Andy - Biggest Letdown

Here is a song from Crystal City’s self titled album called ”Baby Says She Loves Me”. Crystal City is heavily folk inspired music at its best, with singing and song writing that is dynamic and elegant. It’s quite comforting to listen to. Melodies stemming from endearing vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars and pretty piano parts make Crystal City music that you will want to listen to over and over again. -William Jameson - Loudvine

Here is a song from Crystal City’s self titled album called ”Baby Says She Loves Me”. Crystal City is heavily folk inspired music at its best, with singing and song writing that is dynamic and elegant. It’s quite comforting to listen to. Melodies stemming from endearing vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars and pretty piano parts make Crystal City music that you will want to listen to over and over again. -William Jameson - Loudvine

Interview with Crystal City

Marshalltown, Iowa folk throwback duo Crystal City recently sent me their debut album, and I can’t stop reaching for it. With retro harmonies and only an acoustic guitar for instrumentation, Crystal City’s debut album tempers ambitious nu-folk songwriting with their midwestern roots. Love it.

RIYL: The Swell Season, The Civil War, Damien Rice.

We had the opportunity to chat with Crystal City’s Sam Drella about the group, the album, and the Marshalltown speedway…

Who is Crystal City? How did the band come about?

crystal city is dave helmer and sam drella. i saw dave play a show in the spring of 2009, and got in touch with him after that to do some singing on his songs, and here we are now. we started playing shows together in the fall of 2009, singing some of dave’s older songs and some new ones that he had written in recent months. so in november of 2009, we recorded our ep over a weekend and released it in may on sleep on the floor.

What’s it like being a band based in Marshalltown, Iowa?

there’s a lot of driving involved, as most of the shows we play are out of town. but we have a good crowd that supports us in Marshalltown. our house bar, JD’s Pub, treats us really well and the crowd appreciates the music that we bring in to the bar.

Have you been to the speedway there? I used to work in the concession stand in high school. ha!

i went once in high school, but i don’t really remember it. maybe i bought some nachos from you.

You have a very distinctive style. What’s your songwriting process like?

(dave) i write and record at the same time. i’ll get the guitar progression together and demo lyrics with it until it fits right. i have a demo-ing studio in my basement so it’s easy to capture the song right away. As cliche as it sounds, the ideas just hit you when they hit you, and sometimes you’re up until 6 a.m. demo-ing a song, and sometimes that’s when it starts. it’s really rewarding to have a finished song by the end of the night when i started with nothing.

Is it liberating or prohibitive not to have a drums or a rhythm section?

both. it is nice to be in control of the tempo, volume, and overall vibe with just one guitar. plus, we can really lock in our vocals together, and it’s easier to hear ourselves. Not to mention the easy load-in at shows. but on the flip side, it’s always nice to have a drummer to accentuate the music, and a lot of people are used to processing music with a full-band.

The lyrics in your songs are often a tad deep. What’s the track “The Cleaner Me” about?

‘the cleaner me’ is a poem that sam wrote. i wrote it after being in a few failed relationships myself and watching all my friends fumble their way through dating, and at the time i had a really sour view of how to be in a relationship. it all seemed to become this very calculated formula where you knew exactly what was going to happen next, and eventually, three years down the road, you don’t even know who you are anymore. i gave the words to dave one night and the next morning, he already had the song down and recorded. the music that he wrote captures the idea of the poem perfectly, to me, and really accentuates how creepy dating can be.

Are you guys a couple? I have to ask, because I listen to your album and keep thinking if you’re anything like The Swell Season, you may need to break up to break out. Thoughts?

yes, we’re a couple. we’ve really gotten to know each other while playing shows and during recording of the ep, so it’s a pretty unique experience. it’s nice to perform together and share the stage. we have day jobs, so if only one of us was performing it might become an added stress to the relationship. since we’re doing it together, it’s a way for us to bond. but if we’re anything like The Swell Season, we’ll have to make a movie together before we break up. we’ll make the sequel, called ‘Twice’. - Perfect Porridge

Interview with Crystal City

Marshalltown, Iowa folk throwback duo Crystal City recently sent me their debut album, and I can’t stop reaching for it. With retro harmonies and only an acoustic guitar for instrumentation, Crystal City’s debut album tempers ambitious nu-folk songwriting with their midwestern roots. Love it.

RIYL: The Swell Season, The Civil War, Damien Rice.

We had the opportunity to chat with Crystal City’s Sam Drella about the group, the album, and the Marshalltown speedway…

Who is Crystal City? How did the band come about?

crystal city is dave helmer and sam drella. i saw dave play a show in the spring of 2009, and got in touch with him after that to do some singing on his songs, and here we are now. we started playing shows together in the fall of 2009, singing some of dave’s older songs and some new ones that he had written in recent months. so in november of 2009, we recorded our ep over a weekend and released it in may on sleep on the floor.

What’s it like being a band based in Marshalltown, Iowa?

there’s a lot of driving involved, as most of the shows we play are out of town. but we have a good crowd that supports us in Marshalltown. our house bar, JD’s Pub, treats us really well and the crowd appreciates the music that we bring in to the bar.

Have you been to the speedway there? I used to work in the concession stand in high school. ha!

i went once in high school, but i don’t really remember it. maybe i bought some nachos from you.

You have a very distinctive style. What’s your songwriting process like?

(dave) i write and record at the same time. i’ll get the guitar progression together and demo lyrics with it until it fits right. i have a demo-ing studio in my basement so it’s easy to capture the song right away. As cliche as it sounds, the ideas just hit you when they hit you, and sometimes you’re up until 6 a.m. demo-ing a song, and sometimes that’s when it starts. it’s really rewarding to have a finished song by the end of the night when i started with nothing.

Is it liberating or prohibitive not to have a drums or a rhythm section?

both. it is nice to be in control of the tempo, volume, and overall vibe with just one guitar. plus, we can really lock in our vocals together, and it’s easier to hear ourselves. Not to mention the easy load-in at shows. but on the flip side, it’s always nice to have a drummer to accentuate the music, and a lot of people are used to processing music with a full-band.

The lyrics in your songs are often a tad deep. What’s the track “The Cleaner Me” about?

‘the cleaner me’ is a poem that sam wrote. i wrote it after being in a few failed relationships myself and watching all my friends fumble their way through dating, and at the time i had a really sour view of how to be in a relationship. it all seemed to become this very calculated formula where you knew exactly what was going to happen next, and eventually, three years down the road, you don’t even know who you are anymore. i gave the words to dave one night and the next morning, he already had the song down and recorded. the music that he wrote captures the idea of the poem perfectly, to me, and really accentuates how creepy dating can be.

Are you guys a couple? I have to ask, because I listen to your album and keep thinking if you’re anything like The Swell Season, you may need to break up to break out. Thoughts?

yes, we’re a couple. we’ve really gotten to know each other while playing shows and during recording of the ep, so it’s a pretty unique experience. it’s nice to perform together and share the stage. we have day jobs, so if only one of us was performing it might become an added stress to the relationship. since we’re doing it together, it’s a way for us to bond. but if we’re anything like The Swell Season, we’ll have to make a movie together before we break up. we’ll make the sequel, called ‘Twice’. - Perfect Porridge