A two-piece originally from Beaverton, Ore., Helio Sequence has been with Sub Pop for four years despite a history that goes back nearly a decade (or longer). Singer/guitarist Brandon Summers and drummer/keyboardist Benjamin Weikel met in middle school, formed the band in 1999, and self-produced three albums before signing with the Seattle label. Following the 2004 label-switch, and after half a year of constant touring, Summers’ doctor expressly forbade him from singing for almost two months. The lead singer actually had to consider life without the band. That was enough of a shock for him to knuckle down, drink bottles of Throat Coat, and vow to work his ass off. Their latest Sup Pop release, January’s Keep Your Eyes Ahead, was the result of that newfound drive. It’s nearly impossible to categorize the Helio Sequence sound, between the electronic tinges, pedal effects and eerie acoustic tracks. However it’s depicted, one thing’s certain– it’s well thought out, hard worked-for, and all their own.

Fri., Nov. 7, 8 p.m., 2008