Album Review

Wild Belle – Isles

• 14th Mar 2013

Chicago based siblings Elliot and Natalie Bergman have released their debut album ‘Isles’, after what has been a successful year promoting their unique and ultra-cool indie rock vibes. Having set the bar high with releases such as ‘Keep You’, ‘It’s Too Late’ and ‘Backslider’, the duo successfully lived up to the hype surrounding them by delivering a confident and substantial album. Produced by Bill Skibbe at Keyclub Recordings, Wild Belle have struck a balance in creating both a retro and modern debut release, infusing elements of jazz, pop, R&B and reggae rhythms.

‘Keep You’ caused quite a stir at last year’s SXSW and Coachella Festival, propelling the duo further into the spotlight. Brimming with retro vibes, reggae beats and psychedelic grooves, Elliot’s distorted sax riffs and Natalies dreamy alluring vocals soar above, creating the perfect summer soundtrack thats utterly infectious and hypnotic. As the song suggests, “Same song again and again” – and this is one song that’s certainly been on repeat ever since.

Wild Belle aren’t afraid to experiment with different sounds, infusing their pop-reggae inspired melodies and layering them with an array of styles and genres. Isles is overflowing with dreamy groove laden tracks such as ‘It’s Too Late’, where Natalies sultry yet refreshing vocals compliment the surf guitars and rousing sax solo. Not to mention the Afrobeats and Calypso rhythms scattered throughout ‘Twisted’. It’s no surprise the album is called ‘Isles’, as each track has the unique capacity to transport you to your own personal island of musical bliss.

The duo’s songwriting skills lie in their ability to create simple melodies and extremely memorable hooks. Natalie takes lead vocals throughout the album with her effortless vocal ability, yet ‘When It’s Over’ offers a nice change of pace with Elliot taking lead vocals, accompanied by simple synths and funk guitars.

Although Isles is predominantly chilled and upbeat in its musical approach, the majority of tracks focus on the theme of lost love, such as the melancholic ‘Happy Home’, evoking some Lana Del Rey style vocals and stand-out track ‘Another Girl’, with its sultry bluesy vibe. However, sun-soaked quirky tracks such as ‘Shine In The Sun’ and ‘Love Like This’ cast an alluring charm, along with the playful ‘June’ and feel good vibes of ‘Take Me Away’.

WIld Belle are set to play four UK dates, included Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton and London, so be sure to check out this unique and refreshingly cool duo. Their debut album ‘Isles’ is available from March 11th as well as their new single ‘Keep You’.

Venue: Isles
Support Band: Columbia Records