Del Bel – Del Bel
3.5/5
Toronto-based pop-noir super-group Del Bel have been continuing their success since their debut release Oneiric with their elaborate, cinematic style on their self-titled, sophomore release. Canadian multi-instrumentalist Tyler Belluz, alongside vocalist Lisa Conway, composed the album, creating an overall sense of muffled tension and melancholy.
Setting up the musical theme for the album, “In My Solitude“ features the enchanting jazz vocals of Lisa Conway, which are then matched with the smooth yet unsettling lines of instrumentation from Belluz and guitarist Michael Brooks. Conway continues to steal the show with the dark and melodic track “The Rains“. Del Bel quickly become masters of suspense with their ability to draw together the different instruments with controlled impulsivity.
“Sails of Gold”, which features fellow Canadian indie band Bruce Peninsula, adds a pulse and additional dimension to Del Bel with a graceful appearance from the horn section and the Bruce Peninsula back-up chorus.
Although many of the songs on the album share a similar construct, each song has it’s own mystical identity of pop noir. “Firebox” has a slightly more percussive edge, with Adam Hindle utilizing the entire drum kit to maximum effectiveness.
“Intermezzo”, the transitional piece from “side A” to “side B” on the album, moves the instrumentation into the spotlight with a beautifully haunting, sonic experience.
Conway is an unstoppable force with “Old Magic”; just the way she playfully sings “Oh General / go gentle” is enough to produce shivers, let alone once the backup chorus and the remainder of the band show their support. The anecdotal track “The Stallion” maintains the upbeat tempo and animated instrumentation, before moving back down for “Fifty Below”, which is the final song to highlight Conway’s alluring vocal style amongst a blanket of dark, sombre melody.
Although most of the tracks closely resemble one another, Del Bel is an alluring and unique collection that is worthy of admiration from the Canadian music scene.
Listen to the full album before it’s release on February 10th via Exlcaim!
