Back to Life by Bellehouse: the new face of folk? By Patrick O’Heffernan
Folk music in Brooklyn? Why not? Much of the Americana and folk music of the 60’s was birthed in Washington Square in Manhattan, so a few subway stops further down the MTA should make no difference. And it doesn’t, as the Brooklyn-based band Bellehouse makes very clear. A five-person group that captures the American folk spirit with strong female-led vocals and addictive string-rhythms, Bellehouse brings back the 60’s but is as current as the EDM pouring out of the clubs in New York’s meatpacking district. Their debut EP Back to Life, released this month, might just put them in contention for the title of the New Face of Folk Music in America. Bellehouse calls itself an “Emerging indie-string Americana band” but there is nothing emerging about them other than the youth of their catalogue – Back to Life is their first multiple-song release. Bellehouse has the polish of people who have spent their lives writing and singing music. Their lyrics are sharp, their harmonies smooth and on target and their performances are high energy and [Read More]