Written by Shea Roney

Helenor, the Brooklyn-based bedroom project of David DiAngelis, has just announced his sophomore album, A public place, due April 12 via New York’s Mtn. Laurel Recording Co. To commemorate that announcement, he has also released a new single, called “Tattoo”, the third single released in this cycle. Helenor has become well established in his own world, growing into a cathartic storyteller – his retro stylings bringing life’s predicaments into a beautiful simmer of unique warmth and clever complexion. Leaning into the melody, “Tattoo” is as casual as it is sincere to its inevitable influence; a charming and personal sentiment shifting under the weight of permanence.  

As DiAngelis tells the story, “this song is about the first time I gave a tattoo on the kitchen floor of a house party in the South Shore of Massachusetts.” With no prior experience and a new tattoo gun, DiAngelis took on requests, defying his own and everyone else’s expectations – prompting a request from a stranger who they never saw again. With no intention of releasing the song, “Tattoo” finds Helenor at his most relaxed, brought back into the ambiance of that small house party, pushing the sound of comfortable nostalgia into his novel and alluring style. 

The track begins with the static plucking of strings, unbeknownst, holding its breath until Helenor sets the scene and letting waves of synths form its shape. “You can’t take it back / I gave you a tattoo on that floor” he sings, accepting reality from the very first line – a moment initiated with bona fide trust or maybe inebriated confidence. But, leaning into a rejuvenated chorus that feels reformed with its every return, Helenor embodies this magical camaraderie that comes with something as personal as getting a tattoo and as gratifying as showing it off.

Accompanied by a DIY music video, “Tattoo” is patchworked together by a montage of smiling faces, each sharing their numerous tattoos to the camera. The ranging art stylings and image choices are a glimpsing personification into who these people are. To DiAngelis, they are friends, coworkers, and bandmates, but to the rest of us, these strangers admirably show us a piece of themselves that they visibly carry with them. Mixed into the video, DiAngelis’ deadpan candor narrates the story from the reflection of a tiny mirror. As it travels around the city, emulating a tiny DiAngelis in relation to his entirety, he shows us all a small piece of himself as well – taking it along with him everywhere he goes.

You can stream “Tattoo” on all platforms as well as preorder the limited vinyl pressing of A perfect place and other Helenor merch.

Visit Mtn. Laurel Recording Co. and check out their other artists.

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