If you've tuned in here previously, you'll already know THE BELLES from Lawrence, Kansas, are one of THE finds of recent months and their debut album "Omerta" will quietly sidle into many 'best of' albums of the year league tables come December, you mark my words.
"Never Said Anything" is the one that's been screaming (well, maybe make that 'gently shrugging' as things don't really scream in Bellesworld) to be a single from the LP and in isolation it doesn't disappoint. Sure, it's basically a mid-paced strum, but it cooks to perfection, has that ace, sunkissed harmony thing these two do so brilliantly and judiciously introduces a couple of unexpected devices like bells and low-key loops. So there. Whether Ken Nelson (of Coldplay and Gomez fame) was really needed as mixer is debatable such is the strength of The Belles unadorned pop nous, but he hardly disgraces himself either.
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Flip over the heavyweight vinyl version and you'll find "You Can't Have It All", which is Christopher Tolle, Jake Cardwell in spikier, electric mode. It's not in the same league as its' illustrious partner and (unsurprisingly) recalls early '70s Neil Young in spirit and sloppy execution. Wins you through by the time it ends, though, and reminds you even when they're tossing off B-sides The Belles have got this schtick licked. The CD single's got a neat versh of The Lemonheads' "My Drug Buddy" an 'all, so look out for that too.
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