Happy Again
Ditty Boom, 2021
8/10
If you feel like you’re constantly hearing different versions of the same band in today’s indie-rock, well, Bill & The Belles might be just what your musical palette needs, as they birth a formula that embraces old time country, girl groups of the ‘60s, and the very early days of rock’n’roll on this divorce record penned by founding member Kris Truelsen.
“Happy Again (I’ll Never Be)” starts the listen with a deeply nostalgic folk-pop appeal as harmonic vocals unfold alongside fiddle in a raw setting, and this charming approach follows to the slower, vintage Americana of “Make It Look Easy”, where a call and response vocal strategy and warm instrumentation flows.
Elsewhere, “The Corn Shuckin’ Song” shuffles with a dance-friendly spirit that seems like it would soundtrack a night in a speakeasy, while “Bye Bye Bill” offers a playful and country tinted display that benefits from low bass work. “Blue So Blue”, one of the album’s best, then showcases precise nods to roots and vaudeville sounds amid some blues flavor.
Close to the end, “Get Up And Give It One More Try” moves softly, even sublimely, before halfway through shifting to a bouncy, rural rocker, and “Good Friends Are Hard To Find” exits the listen with group vocals alongside banjo and a retro quality that seems like it would emanate from the AM dial.
Further proof that what’s old is new again, in addition to Truelsen, Bill & The Belles spotlights the timeless talent of Kalia Yeagle (guitar, fiddle, vocals), Andrew Small (bass), Helena Hunt (banjo, vocals), Nick Faulk (drums) and Don Eanes (piano/Hammond), and it’s truly a unique and heartwarming adventure of rootsy innovation.
Travels well with: The Shootouts- Bullseye; Melissa Carper- Daddy’s Country Gold