Helios is The Fray's attempt at convincing the world they didn't peak too early. Stuart Price (The Killers, Madonna) was recruited to provide a fresh take on the band's direction, yet his electronica influence only serves to detract from the band's greatest strength – Isaac Slade's iconic voice. Opener, Hold My Hand is a nice showing of their tested and true form of light rock, but mostly Helios is characterised by the band's struggle to redefine their identity. The Fray may well see success like How To Save A Life again, just not with anything on this record.
