Black Bear

Black Bear.

I discovered Andrew Belle through MySpace about four or five years ago, just as when the website is in its most competitive state when Facebook started to become popular. His relaxing tunes along with his unique voice, indie-alternative point of view got my attention as i'm usually drawn to this genre. The lyrics of his EP 'All Those Pretty Lights' were genuine that it certainly punches right through. It is a perfect playlist for my driving and everyday commute at that time as if i'm drawn back from the outer world, and all that surrounded me was the songs, as if the world has tapped into my iPod and set up the speakers all around. It might sound a bit sad and cheesy but that was what I felt at that certain moment. Early morning trips to the hospitals during my nurse internship was made less stressful, even when 'Signs of Life' was played. I somehow managed to lose the tracks in my computer and eventually my iPod so I shamelessly asked him via email to send me a link to the free download of his EP to which he politely did. Talk about being generous. The same sound was not compromised for his LP 'The Ladder' which did not disappoint. 

Now, a new LP titled 'Black Bear' will be released come August 20th. A preview of which I was privileged to hear through Paste Magazine's website. The album has this sort of an electronic-ish vibe that can be felt through some the percussion beat though not as direct and pronounced as Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto and still adhering to his notable sound. The first track 'Dark Matter' definitely set the mood for the whole album. 'Pieces' has his signature sound, with layers and pulses of instruments. 'Santa Fe' has this upbeat tempo, and reminiscent of Bon Iver with his melodic falsettos. But my favorite track is 'The Enemy' probably because of its earnest lyrics, piano chords that eventually ascends into guitar riffs and then fades out as if to leave you wandering. Full track listing below:

1. Dark Matter

2. Pieces

3. Sister

4. Black Bear

5. Wants What It Wants

6. Details

7. Santa Fe

8. The Enemy

9. Many Lives

10. I Won't Fight It

*To preorder the album you can visit Andrew Belle's iTunes, and his website www.andrewbelle.com