the bellegards - The Sea & Sand That Drowned The Band

The Bellegards

The Sea & Sand That Drowned The Band
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Sean Dennison

The Bellegards hail from Long Island, which is kind of funny because of the stereotypes associated with that place but I can't think of a joke right now. Not like the music will let me, either. This EP, The Sea and Sand That Drowned The Band,  introduces the trio as a proficient in the ways of guitar-and-drums-driven rock music.

Their sound is comfortable, or comforting, but no band immediately leaps to mind. Maybe Cloud Nothings because of the music's focus on Kevin Redding's drumming. Steady as rock, and just as hard. Twins Vincent and Nic Palmeri are on guitar and vocals and bass and keyboard.

The best song here is "Seasick & Doubtful." Redding kills it on drums while Vincent Palmeri doesn't shy away from his guitar sounds. The bass is a little undermined but the song demonstrates best what the band has to offer. It's a good time, and Palmeri's accent is something other than Long Island. Depending on how he annunciates, he can even boast a southern drawl….

On the heartfelt "Saltwater Serenade," the boys are joined by Sarah Wolffe on violin. The music here is a bit more vulnerable, with Palmeri restraining his voice in lieu of Wolffe's silken violin playing. This is the only time in the EP where an instrument other than the drums or guitar dominates the sound.

The Bellegards is an interesting listen. On paper, they're your typical rock three-piece. However, in most three-pieces, the rhythm section acts as anchor while the guitar takes lead. Here the drums are at the forefront, while the guitar anchors the music and the bass and keys provide dashes of tone color that audiophiles will appreciate most (though the keyboarding in "Seven Little Strangers" prevents it from being a overrun with its own Modest Mouse fancies). There are plenty of cool moments here that'll make this less-than-20-minute EP worth your time.

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