As far as I am aware, “Lately,” the lead track of off Keep Your Eyes Ahead, which Portland, Oregon-based The Helio Sequence dropped a little over two months ago on Sub Pop, is not available as a single. But it’s shifting drums, jangly melodic guitar, and narrator-in-denial have all the makings of an indie anthem. The lyrics starts melancholy and dishonest–”Lately, I don’t think you of you at all”–and get better from there, often echoing ominously in the background in an almost unnoticeable way. “I don’t think about our face, or anything you said,” croons singer Brandon Summers, composing a small hymn to heartbroken denial.

Sadly, when I caught the two-piece at SXSW this past March, an audience member kindly informed me they had already played “Lately” before I arrived. I stayed nonetheless and was treated to an excellent performance for a thrilled, word-mouthing crowd. For having just two members, The Helio Sequence has a lot going for them on-stage: tight-knit playing, pedal antics, and even occasional harmonica.

Photos after the jump. (more…)