We hadn’t heard about The Belle Brigade for quite some time, actually since the release of their self-title album in 2011! I remember some of their shows at the Satellite or the Echo, being a lot of fun and fueled by a rare youthful energy especially coming from exuberant and driving force Barbara Gruska. It seems that the sibling duo (consisting of Barbara and her brother Ethan) is back in full force, as they have just released their first single ‘Ashes’ off their upcoming album, ‘Just Because’ which should drop on February 11th. Via indie label ATO (My Morning Jacket, Allen Stone, Alabama Shakes, Midlake).
Should I revive your memory about their high-pitched perfect harmonies which were resurrecting the female-male duo in a big way, their infectious anthems such as ‘Sweet Louise’ and ‘Losers’? At the time, their effortless feet-tapping bouncing rhythms and catchy melodies had collected comparisons with lots of big names from Fleetwood Mac, to the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel and that was quite incredible to hear timeless hooks like these coming from people so young. At the time I even wrote that their joyful Americana was making me dream about the happiest places of Bright Eyes music. Not that DNA explains everything, but should I add they are the great children of legendary composer John Williams?
The new single ‘Ashes’ has plenty of old-train-of the-farwest percussion, probably by Barbara who used to be a drummer for many bands before forming her own band. However, it’s quite a departure from their first album, a bit different from their fist-in-the-air anthemic ‘Losers’ tone, so may be fans are gonna be a bit confused at first, but they will be able to follow the genetic thread through Barbara’s inspired and breezy vocals.
During the whole month of February, Los Angelinos will be able to enjoy plenty of The Belle Brigade, as they will perform every Tuesday at the Echo for free!
‘Just Because’
Tracklist
01. Ashes
02. When Everything Was What It Was
03. Likely To Use Something
04. Be Like Him
05. Miss You In My Life
06. How I See It
07. Not The One
08. Metropolis
09. Everything For A Stone
10. Back Where You Began
You can even download the track for free in exchange of your email address below.