Tales Of Belle Part 1: Across The Ocean
Apollon, 2022
8/10
Listen to Tales Of Belle Part 1: Across The Ocean
An aptly titled band name, Adventure bring us on an exciting, sometimes soothing journey thanks to their ‘70s rock, folk and prog ways on this concept album about the Norwegian-American serial killer Belle Gunness.
“Hell’s Belle” starts the listen with some retro hard-rock nods amid the sturdy riffs and energetic prog stabs, and “The Journey Begins” follows with warm keys and a bit of haze entering a nearly spiritual angle.
In the middle, “Dreams” welcomes graceful keys and poetic singing as the gentle, cozy electric guitar mesmerizes us, while “Haunted Wedding” flows with a retro appeal of agile and meticulous organ prowess.
Approaching the end, the thick and buzzing “Voices” is a bit grungy yet very pretty with the expressive voice, and “Crossing” exits the listen with wordless vocals in the dreamy, textured finish.
Sometimes symphonic, other times bare, this fist installment of the Belle series focuses on her life in Norway and emigration to Chicago, which is where her killing began. Part 2 should be available any day now, and I’ll be listening…
Travels well with: Trust Us- Non-Zero Sum Game; Major Parkinson- Night At The Library