The Hellp – Riviera Review: Finding Clarity in the Comedown

Explore how The Hellp’s Riviera embraces introspection and cinematic electronics, marking a bold shift from their indie-sleaze roots.

From Neon Nights to Thoughtful Days

If you've ever wandered through the buzzing streets of New York or Los Angeles’ underground pop scenes, you might have caught a glimpse of The Hellp — the dynamic duo of Noah Dillon and Chandler Ransom Lucy, effortlessly rocking leather jackets and skinny jeans like they own every smoky room. These two have been quietly evolving, swapping the wild, neon-lit energy of their early days for a more refined, cinematic sound that still carries that signature swagger.

Back in 2023, the Dimes Square renaissance shone a spotlight on The Hellp, where their music blended indie-sleaze with fearless self-reflection. If you recall those bright, chaotic nights filled with reckless abandon, The Hellp’s debut mixtapes were basically the soundtrack to that scene — think the frenetic energy of LCD Soundsystem and the raw edge of Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

But as the years rolled on, Dillon and Lucy didn’t just stay stuck in that vibe. They’ve gained serious critical respect by perfecting their underground shows and expanding their creative horizons—Noah Dillon, for instance, has lent his visual artistry to Rosalía’s ‘LUX’ album and some slick videos for 2hollis, proving that The Hellp’s talents run deep.

Walking the Tightrope: Persona Meets Vulnerability

Leading up to Riviera, The Hellp shared some revealing insights: “We knew our next project would need to be a bit more mature… we refuse to become stagnant. Riviera is more solemn, restrained and impassioned than anything we’ve done before.” And that’s precisely the feeling you get from this album — a balancing act between the flashy exterior and heartfelt honesty.

Take a listen to their first single:

“Country Road” is like that quiet confession you share with a friend during the last cigarette break of a long night. Underneath its glitching electronics and pulsing beats lies a deep sense of isolation and disillusionment — the kind that follows too many nights chasing fleeting highs.

The Sound of Growing Up

Riviera doesn’t just dwell in melancholy; it stretches wide across emotional landscapes. Tracks like “New Wave America” and “Cortt” expand on what the duo calls a “desperate story of the disparate Americana,” painting vivid reflections on the awkwardness and resistance of growing up. These songs give the album a spacious feel, a sonic breathing room that pulls you into their evolving perspective.

Then, just when the mood might feel heavy, “Doppler” swoops in with euphoric synths that lift the heartache into something almost cathartic. It’s the moment you realize Riviera isn’t just a comedown — it’s a reckoning with hope.

Closing on a Mature Note

If you’ve ever been a “retired club rat” — someone who’s danced through the chaos but now prefers the afterglow — you’ll find familiar nods here. The Kavinsky-esque intro of “Here I Am” is a respectful wink to their dance-punk roots, while the closer “Live Forever” settles into a slow-burning maturity. The repeated line, “I don’t want to live forever,” lingers, honest and haunting.

This album trades the frenetic chaos of The Hellp’s earlier work for a reflective, self-aware sound. It’s like watching them step off the dance floor and into the dawn, processing the wild youth left behind but still holding onto that edge that made them thrilling.

Album Details

• Label: Anemoia
• Release Date: November 21, 2025

Wrapping It Up: The Hellp’s New Chapter

So, is Riviera just an album about the aftermath of the party? Sure — but it’s also a vivid journey through clarity, maturity, and the bittersweet moments that come when the lights finally go up. For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, The Hellp’s latest offering feels like a fresh start wrapped in familiar sounds.

What do you think — has The Hellp found their true voice in the comedown? Or is this just the next step in their ongoing evolution?

FAQ

• How does Riviera differ from The Hellp’s earlier work?
  Riviera moves away from the high-energy indie-sleaze vibe to embrace cinematic electronics with more introspection and emotional depth.
• What themes are explored on the album?
  The album deals with isolation, disillusionment, reluctant growing up, and a complex mix of hope and melancholy.
• Who contributes visually to The Hellp’s projects?
  Noah Dillon, one half of The Hellp, is also an accomplished visual artist, contributing to works for Rosalía and 2hollis.
• What influences shaped Riviera’s sound?
  Early influences include the NYC indie scene, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Kavinsky’s synth-driven style.
• When was Riviera released and on which label?
  Riviera was released on November 21, 2025, under the Anemoia record label.

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