london trio belleville take a left of centre approach to songwriting on their debut album. using traditional rock instrumentation, the group have formulated a gorgeously minimal approach - cutting out any non-essential elements. overdriven but melodic guitars are used for bedding harmonies straight out of the american loose-lipped and low-slung underground. there's elements of dinosaur jr in the wired, countrified guitar and the replacements in the vocals which are delivered with much off-the-cuff aplomb. the songs have an occasional touch of meat puppets looseness, on 'i don't fear god' for example, while opener 'ascendancy' touches on something more minimal and unconventional with its drones and overtones. overall a strong opening long player.

rough trade
november 2011


laura jane higgs - drums
michael james davies - guitar bass vocals
mark edward hucks - guitar bass vocals

recorded at the bunker in dalston
mastered at greenmount studios in wakefield