Even the press notes for this band are cagey. Bellstar appears to be made of American and UK members, or maybe the band just commutes? I mention this because just about everything about this band contradicts itself sooner or later.

Bellstar Before a Fall (self-released)

Like: The sound is smooth and cool, easy to approach and indicative of a pop sensibility. But Bellstar ranges through an almost incomprehensible number of beats (both analog and electronic) as it spins modestly trippy songs that meander around a variety of ideas. There are (short) jam drones, more than a little gentle prog and some lovely and unconventional harmonies.

And yes, some Madchester, but just in passing. Bellstar likes its songs short and busy, and the sheer number of ideas in each is intimidating. There are plenty of avenues to wander even on the more contemplative songs. How to classify this? Let's just go with "pretty damned good."

This isn't a departure from the band's first album from last year; it's more like an amplification. Pretty much the same deceptively off-handed style, only amplified. I'm not sure where these folks are headed, but it's certain they know how to create the sounds they want. A fully-formed flower that's looking to take flight.

Jon Worley