Crystal City

Crystal City is fronted by Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. Helmer is a Midwestern singer/songwriter from central Iowa with blue-collar roots. Heavily influenced by Paul Westerberg, Tom Petty, John Prine, and Townes Van Zandt, Helmer’s songs are approachable and relatable, touching on themes of love and loss, being good to each other, and celebrating life. From their bio on their website: In 2009, Crystal City formed as a duo, recording their self-titled acoustic EP just three months after meeting. In the years to follow, the duo grew into a full band. Following their first and second full-length albums Change (2014) and Bartenderly (2017), Crystal City have spent their time touring across the country, and have been met with positive reviews of their blend of rock and acoustic songs. The band has shared the stage with national acts such as Charlie Parr (and Devil's Flying Machine), Lucy Dacus, The Cactus Blossoms, Miles Nielsen, Adia Victoria, The Whigs, The Good Life, HoneyHoney, Matthew Logan Vasquez and The Ike Reilly Assassination. The songs on Three-Dimensionality are less about literal storytelling than providing impressions of feelings and ideas. This may be what Crystal City means by the title: time to move from being obvious and two-dimensional to working towards a three-dimensionality. This album shows that kind of depth. Three-Dimensionality is out now on vinyl and all streaming platforms.