Belfountain – Some Hearts
This project is crisp performances by indie-alt-folk-rock singer-songwriter/producer & multi-instrumentalist Chris Graham. He spearheads a cast of some gourmet blended musicians as Canada’s Belfountain. It’s nothing we haven’t heard before, but the songs are melodic, sharp, earthy & catchy.
The opener isn’t very any of those genres above but more pop-oriented with big production values instrumentality with lots of cake smothered in icing. Fortunately, Graham doesn’t dabble too much with any novelty schmaltz this type of music can lean into it. Chris has given some thought to his arrangements of the tunes & they rise above the fizz.
There are 10 songs on Belfountain’s debut Some Hearts (Drops June 21/Flatcar Records/North Fontana/44:35) & I think the only improvement required (since the music is fine) is to get better more compelling song titles. “Give It Up,” “We Will Rise,” “Rattle On” & “Through the Darkness” – used to death don’t you think since this is the work of an exceptional musician?
However, titles aside, Chris has excellence in his showcase & “Through the Darkness,” despite its mediocre title plays out as a strong tune. It’s more rootsy & his expressive voice carries it well. The song has elements of gospel in its pop balladry structure.
Some tunes are a little over-produced, to my ear, hot — yet the quality holds up. “Won’t Turn Back,” suffers a little from this but it’s a good song, well played & riveting with again, a little gospel flavor. While “We Will Rise,” is excellent “Rattle On,” is catchy but weighed down by repetition which is typical of this kind of music. The lead guitar gives the tune its lift. “Fall Into the Past,” is splendid with some clever off-beats that cruise along the piano run that anchors the tune & makes it all the more interesting.
“Rocks,” sung with Tia Brazda, is exceptional. This has the variety & intensity that allows Chris’ song to excel. Tia’s unique Ronnie Spector-Valerie June-type vocal is dynamic. The wailing Marie Goudy trumpet adds color & well, it’s one of the best performances on this CD. I wait for stuff like this – but it’s often few & far between. It was a good decision to feature Tia & Marie.
Highlights – “Give It Up,” “Through the Darkness,” “Won’t Turn Back,” “We Will Rise,” “Rattle On,” “Worst Enemy,” “Fall Into the Past,” “Some Hearts” (w/Colleen Brown) & “Rocks.”
Musicians – Chris Graham (lead vocal/synth/piano/banjo/mandolin/bass/acoustic & electric guitars/percussion), Colleen Brown, Sarah Hiltz, Karen Jewels, Tia Brazda, Chloe Watkinson & Quisha Wint (bgv), Davide Drenzo (drums), Joel Visentin (organ), Marie Goudy (trumpet), Shirantha Beddage (sax), RJ Satchithananthan (trombone), Brigit O’Regan (fiddle/lead violin), Miranda Mulholland (fiddle), Aline Homzy (violin), Jill Sauertag (cello), James Bryan (guitar), Aaron Goldstein (pedal steel), Justin Abedin (electric guitar/banjo/mandolin), Sean Pinchin (slide & acoustic guitars), Jennifer Pierson (flutes) & Max Senitt (congas).
CD photo courtesy of Dzesika Devic. CD @ Amazon & https://belfountain.bandcamp.com/album/some-hearts & https://www.belfountainsongs.com/
