If you're looking for a hip, alternative-pop album with some retro vibes and a singer who looks like she probably models part-time, I got you.
Meet Wild Belle, the moniker of brother-sister duo Natalie and Elliot Bergman. To me, they were always one of those bands I'd heard of, but to whom I'd never given a proper listen. What was I waiting for? Their performance on Jimmy Fallon thankfully put them back on my radar and I was hooked.
These Chicagoans, while remaining loyal to alternative-pop at their core, produce music with tasteful doses of reggae, ska and jazz (hence the saxophone). Their sophomore album, "Dreamland," offers a wide variety of influences that keeps the whole record sounding fresh. Natalie's vocals are, quite fitting with the album title, very dreamy and distinct; you might recognize her from Major Lazer's track "Be Together." Dreaminess aside, the pair proves themselves to be full of a powerful and eclectic sound.
Singles for the album--"Throw Down Your Guns," "Our Love Will Survive" and the album's namesake "Dreamland" — are probably some of my favorites. "Giving Up On You" kicks off with an instantly upbeat tempo, somewhat startling in comparison to the generally soothing aura of the rest of the album, and Natalie opts for more low, rock-driven vocals. While it could be considered the odd one out on the track list, it still works in context and might be my favorite of the record. It's particularly good for a morning pump-up jam, or for those of us who run, I bet it'll make its way onto some workout playlists as well.
I have a feeling I'll be having Wild Belle's new album on repeat well into the summer. I love how it integrates so many different dynamics so seamlessly, and I love music that suits a multitude of moods. This album does that for me.
Review of Wild Belle's "Dreamland" in one sentence: the title doesn't lie.
