Far From Whiny Teens
Having formed thirteen years ago this year, you could say that technically UK based three piece Belasco are teenagers but forget any notion of whiny, sullen little gits that annoy and sulk in equal measure, Belasco are the polar opposite. Crafting an album that buzzes with tight guitars, infectious hooks and lyrics that simultaneously excites, stimulates and urges you to sing along, Transmuting will leave you with only one question; why, after thirteen years, Belasco aren't a household name?
The follow up offering from the trio after 2007's 61 , Transmuting wastes no time in revealing the blue print of the alternative rockers sound with the lead single from the album, Moves Like Water kicking things off in a fashion that demands your attention and makes you excited for what Transmuting has in store. With an incessant drum beat that immediately and gloriously gets under your skin, Moves Like Water is an exhilarating heady mix of irresistible riffs and beautifully engaging lyrics presented expertly with an infectiousness that will not fail to have you singing along; this is the type of song bands dream of opening their albums with. From this Belasco take us on a whirl wind tour of songs that soak through to your bones, from the grittiness of Poor Man in all its melancholy glory to the tranquillity of Home that literally explodes before your eyes (or in this case ears) into a vibrant rush that all but envelopes you in a cosy blanket.
Belasco may wield hook laden riffs aplenty but that is not to say all their tracks are upbeat and chipper. Who Do You Love? bristles with a darkness that when paired with the trio's effortless ability to reel you in through their hook heavy riffs, beckons to you as touches of Placebo mingle with hints of Muse, trimmed perfectly with a Trent Reznor edge to make for something darkly delicious and proving that Belasco are no one trick ponies.
Transmuting is not perfect though, Rosa for instance seems to miss the mark slightly, although further listens may allow it to hold its own against the other tracks, but with the hits far outweighing the misses, you can't help to keep questioning why the UK based band aren't staples on rock radio. Polished without losing its edge and bursting with a catchy, inviting and invigorating sound that offers feel goodness, passion and emotion by the bucket load, Transmuting manages to tick all the boxes and hopefully will put an end to Belasco being a well-kept secret, it's about time this three piece were heating up the airwaves.