I showed up late to T.T. The Bear’s last night and only caught the tail end of Orca Orca’s last track. I did, however, get to see all of Wild Belle and Tennis; two groups lead by females with distinct voices and retro style. Together, Natalie and Elliot Bergman make Wild Belle, a band that, judging by the name, some would assume play country-folk music. However, with Natalie’s raspy voice, the soulful saxophone, and funky beat, Wild Belle creates a jazzy-reggae sound. Wild Belle is still new to the music world and has little to listen to on iTunes, Spotify, or even the internet, but the two siblings/partners (it is currently unknown to most what relationship sharing the same last name implies for the duet) have a promising future, especially if they can release more songs soon.
“Sounds like they’re having a good time tonight,” teased Alaina Moore, lead singer of headlining band Tennis, as she walked on stage hearing the thumping bass resonate from the Middle East. Moore and husband Patrick Riley created Tennis: a lo-fi surf pop group inspired by a several month sailing trip down the Eastern Atlantic Seabord. And their music takes you on their voyage, with beachy melodies and nautical references throughout each song. A few devoted fans in the front were singing along, and no one in the crowd could resist swaying back and forth to the cheerful tunes. Tennis played hits from their two albums Cape Dory and Young and Old, covered “Guiding Light” by Television, and their attempt at a song for the Twilight films. Neither Tennis nor the crowd seemed too disappointed by the failed attempt of Tennis becoming a teen movie soundtrack star.
The highlight of the concert was the authenticity of the bands: both Wild Belle and Tennis sound the same live as they do on recorded tracks. It is always a relief to know bands you enjoy are not depending on auto-tune or heavy re-mastering to achieve their sound, and it was easy to hear that both groups last night had a distinct vibe and true talent.
By: Jessica Bacchi