Bella

Two dudes and deux femmes make up this rather lovable BC band, whose synth-kissed jangle-pop mash notes ooze with acid-tongued suggestion when you read between the pretty-penned lines. Debut disc Pretty Mess
makes a pretty good case for a heretofore inconceivable scenario: a Pavement that knows how to dance. - Stuart Berman

Two dudes and deux femmes make up this rather lovable BC band, whose synth-kissed jangle-pop mash notes ooze with acid-tongued suggestion when you read between the pretty-penned lines. Debut disc Pretty Mess
makes a pretty good case for a heretofore inconceivable scenario: a Pavement that knows how to dance. - Stuart Berman

GRADE: 92

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so
hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll
standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited
way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.


"Superwicked boy-girl-boy-girl synth-pop foursome who simply can't sit still.If their breezy indie-pop doesn't make you wanna move your feet, consult a physician immediately: you may indeed be paralyzed. Energetic and loads of fun, they practically grabbed you by the collar and screamed "LOVE US, DAMMIT!" into your face for a half-hour. Then, they all did The Robot. Imagine a joyous collision of the B-52s, Martha & The Muffins and Of Montreal. Now imagine it with wild
dancing, multiple instrument changes and songs you can dance to even when completely wasted. Sexy and nerdy, all at once."

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

ORAL AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

MUSICAL ANALYSIS
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

OTHER SKILLS AND AREAS OF INTEREST
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

- Steve English

GRADE: 92

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so
hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll
standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited
way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.


"Superwicked boy-girl-boy-girl synth-pop foursome who simply can't sit still.If their breezy indie-pop doesn't make you wanna move your feet, consult a physician immediately: you may indeed be paralyzed. Energetic and loads of fun, they practically grabbed you by the collar and screamed "LOVE US, DAMMIT!" into your face for a half-hour. Then, they all did The Robot. Imagine a joyous collision of the B-52s, Martha & The Muffins and Of Montreal. Now imagine it with wild
dancing, multiple instrument changes and songs you can dance to even when completely wasted. Sexy and nerdy, all at once."

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

ORAL AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

MUSICAL ANALYSIS
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

OTHER SKILLS AND AREAS OF INTEREST
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

- Steve English

Just over a year ago, an unlikely group of transplanted prairie kids, collectively known as Bella, quietly released their debut album and started playing around Vancouver.

Their Pretty Mess CD was just that — a blur of meshed styles and concepts jumping from Eurotrash to electroclash to shoegazer to indie rock. Although often compared to cutting edge outfits like The Fitness or the Scissor Sisters, Bella have a sound and style all their own. ChartAttack recently caught up with band members Tiffany Garrett, Cameron Fraser, Charla Benet and Matt Hutchings to discover a little more about their odd ways of doing things.

Garrett, Fraser and Benet met in college, decided to form a band, recruited Fraser's longtime friend (Hutchings) and moved to Vancouver to pursue bright lights, big dreams, laptop backbeats and new wave haircuts.

"We moved to Vancouver to form Bella before we had actually played together," says Fraser. "Thankfully, it worked out.

"I guess we weren't totally unused to playing with each other. Matt and I have known each other since grade two and we used to play in high-school bands together. Our main band back in the day was called War & Peace, but we thought we were really clever and spelled it 'Warren Peace.' Sadly, that project came to an end when we graduated."

Although the band are more prone to short western tours than full-blown transcontinental jaunts, they certainly have some well-developed tour philosophies.

"Why do bands always buy vans to tour in?" asks Garrett. "We don't like that. We go our own way and drive a big brown truck. That's the real way to tour."

To avoid spending too much time on the highways of North America, the Bella crew have another strange touring habit.

"We like to fly to our destination gig and then fly right back," says Benet jokingly. "When we played the Troubadour in L.A., we just flew there and back. And more recently, we did the same thing for a show in Toronto. We think we're The Rolling Stones."

"The Toronto show was particularly well-organized. It was a festival showcase and we didn't bring any press kits. We're very on the ball," says Fraser.

"Self-promotion can be a bit of an issue," adds Garrett. "We've learned to give CDs out sparingly because any weirdo can hit you up for them. One time this guy e-mailed us saying, 'I have a blood disorder, can you send a CD or signed photo please, I don't have any money.'"

"Yeah, and we were like, 'If you send us a blood sample maybe,'" cracks Fraser.

"Well, he'll probably never come see us anyway," adds Benet.

"Yeah, because he's not allowed out of his bubble," exclaims Fraser to much laughter around the table.

Beyond their fanbase of indie-rock loving hemophiliacs, the Bella gang feel somewhat on the outs with the Vancouver music scene.

"We aren't originally from Vancouver and we kind of keep to ourselves," says Garrett matter-of-factly. "I guess we just prefer to have a few really good friends, rather than knowing everyone on the local scene just because it'll get us more shows."

Despite these misgivings, the group have certainly developed a strong local following. The result of a recent reader poll in influential Vancouver weekly newspaper The Georgia Straight named Bella "one of the best new bands in the city."

You can currently catch Bella spreading their antics across western Canada with Immaculate Machine.


November 12 Kelowna, BC @ The Well
November 15 Regina, SK @ O'Hanlon's w/ Immaculate Machine
November 16 Saskatoon, SK @ The Bassment (w/Immaculate Machine, all-ages)
November 17 Calgary, AB @ Broken City (w/Immaculate Machine and Remote Kid)
November 18 Edmonton, AB @ Sidetrack (w/Immaculate Machine and All Purpose Voltage Heroes)
—Trevor Hargreaves



http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2005/11/1607.cfm - Chart Attack Magazine

Rating: 4 Stars
Kick snare, kick snare, the drum beat changes, as playful guitar riffs begin and a lovely voice escapes the speakers. This is what Bella’s debut album “Pretty Mess” is, an assortment of indie-dance tracks that make you feel sexy. Pretty Mess can be the soundtrack to any situation; you could be driving on a hot summer day, or you could be walking in the city streets wearing headphones while the snow is falling. Either way, there is something sexual and poetic about Bella’s music. The opening track “Go”, invites you into a romantic and cozy setting, with seductive drumbeats and vocals. The members of Bella all seem like creative individuals. Cameron Fraser, Tiffany Garrett, Matt Hutchings and Charla Bent all get a chance to sing on the record, as there is no definite lead singer role. There is an inescapable intensity behind Bella’s music. Even though the music seems to be relaxed and sensual…even if you’re not social, this CD will make you want to be.
- Mindi St. Amand
www.soulshine.ca

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WWW.MYINDIEWORLD.COM

Live Review
November 26, 2005

"Local pop heroes Bella, did a short opening set for another band of local heroes, The Organ. They (bella) were excellent. Upbeat vibes, instrument rotations, awkward banter, and keyboard-heavy pop hooks were abundant in their set. They sound like a new-wavy kid who just graduated from pop finishing school, taking the gloom out of the Ladytron-esque electro-tinged sound while adding in a bucket load of sunshine. From listening to Pretty Mess, I had an inkling that they're a local band to watch for in the coming years. After seeing their live show, that much is confirmed. I can't wait to see them again.
--------------------------------------------- - Mindi St. Amand and My indie World

ALL MUSIC GUIDE- "If you are a fan of indie pop, you simply have to have this record in your collection."

by Tim Sendra
They aren't the only band around that operates using some combination of squelchy old synths, new wave-inspired rhythms, New Order-y basslines, angular indie rock guitars, and indie pop sweet vocals but Bella does it so well, it feels like they're the first to ever try it. What makes them special is their perfect balance of melancholy and sweetness, of simplicity and unpredictability. The lyrics are the melancholy part, dealing with snowy days, sleeping alone, that good old standby heartbreak, lousy apartments, and rotten dreams. Never too mopey or personal, they pack a punch using a few keywords and phrases. The voices are the sweetness; both drummer Tiffany Garrett Sotomayor and keyboardist Charla McCutcheon have angelic voices that blend in perfect harmony and soar shyly on their own. They also sing everything very straight with absolutely no excess technique, letting the melody and the words impart the emotion. The simplicity of the record's arrangements works well in the group's favor, again letting the melodies and vocals breathe. The unpredictability from song to song as to the components of each arrangement keeps things interesting since the band uses a different synth sound, guitar tone, or drumming style on just about every track. Of course, without songs to fill the excellent arrangements, they are just empty window dressing. No problem there; Bella has the songs and are as good as any pop, indie or otherwise, in 2007.
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MAGNET MAGAZINE-The two-girl/one-guy Bella plays hook-happy tunes built on vintage synthesizers, handclap-style drum machine rhythms behind real drums and bursts of kinetic guitar riffs. Think old Altered Images, recent Ladytron or Metric at its bounciest. Or look to some of this album’s guest musicians from Imperial Teen and producer Dave Carswell, who’s worked with unrestrained Canadian popsters such as the New Pornographers and Tegan & Sara. Drummer Tiffany Garrett Sotomayor, keyboardist Charla McCutcheon and guitarist Cameron Fraser trade lead and harmony vocals and instruments, and each seems to have an equal affection for instantly catchy melodies and irresistible dance-party exuberance. —Steve Klinge

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SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER-
Bella does a very good job at recapturing the winning, winsome sounds of the dreampop movement of a decade ago, evoking My Bloody Valentine and female-led shoegazers Lush (and on "Settle Down," Liz Phair's "Gunshy"). The Vancouver, B.C.-based trio, with help from members of Imperial Teen, punches up appealingly simple melodies with synthesizers, fuzzy guitars and, most important, the affect-free vocals of Tiffany Garrett Sotomayor and Charla McCutcheon. -- Mikel Toombs

-------------------------------------------

- 2007 Mint Records

July 28, 2005
There’s a lot to love about Pretty Mess. Almost too much, in fact. The problem, if it can be called that, starts with the opening track, “Go”, a beat-driven dance-floor filler with boy-girl harmonies that sounds like a happy union between electroclash and disco. Next up is “Can She Play Guitar”, a twee-pop charmer fortified with bargain-basement synth sounds and the kind of naive-girl singing last heard during the heyday of Cub. Then we’re on to “Crystal Tears”, and now there’s a dude singing lead, and the listener has already been exposed to more styles than some bands can muster in their entire careers.

By the time one gets to the album’s end, though, it all makes sense. All four members of the band sing and play multiple instruments, and they all presumably contribute to the songwriting. Hence the lo-fi rawk of “Hooray for Andy Autio” and the floating-away piano balladry of “Car Crash”. What ties everything together is Bella’s DIY aesthetic and a commitment to delivering strong melodies and deadly hooks in every song. Pretty Mess is a worthy effort in its own right, but it would be nice to hear what these kids could do with a slightly bigger budget and more time in the studio. -JL
____________________________

the GEORGIA STRAIGHT
"Best of Vancouver 2005" Issue

Bella- runner up for "best new local band"

Bella, a band whose four members take turns playing guitar, bass, drums, and synthesizer. They also all sing, sometimes all at the same time, which makes the group’s debut CD, Pretty Mess, a harmony-rich hit of new wave–tinged pop heaven.
-john lucas
- John Lucas

Grade: B+
"...conjuring bands like Martha & the Muffins and Altered Images... Bella has made a charming album." - Tom Harrison

Grade: B+
"...conjuring bands like Martha & the Muffins and Altered Images... Bella has made a charming album." - Tom Harrison

..."fizzy keyboards, boy-girl vocals, and first-crush-rush melodies... PRETTY MESS, is gem of a debut from Vancouver's Bella."
- Shawn Conner

..."fizzy keyboards, boy-girl vocals, and first-crush-rush melodies... PRETTY MESS, is gem of a debut from Vancouver's Bella."
- Shawn Conner

Exclaim! Mint Road Show Winner
Opening at The Plaza Club, Vancouver - October 22

Vancouver’s Bella are a trio whose music gets you all tangled up in a West coast indie pop synth dream, replete with soaring guitars and unique vocals. Bella are known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows that feature multiple instrument swaps and hip-shaking dance moves to entice the audience. They have been critically acclaimed by local music magazines across the country, and Britain’s NME called their song “Didn’t Mean to Break Our Love” a “standout tune.” Currently working on their second full-length album, Bella are sure to deliver another pop gem for the kids to dance to!

--------------------------------------------

2005 Album Review
While the number of '80's-tinged synth-pop bands grows, it's a promising sign when the good outweighs the bad. Bella are part of the reason why this sub-genre continues to flourish. Pretty Mess, their debut full-length, doesn't concern itself with carbon copying any specific bands (unlike peers the Organ), using some retro electronic gadgets to assist their blissful, light guitar-strumming pop music. Opener "Go" bathes itself in synthetic delight, while a number of other songs ("Upstairs", "Coast to Coast") tiptoe around more delicate pop arrangements. As timid as the first half may seem, it doesn't speak for the entire album. In the second half, Bella don't hesitate to turn up their guitars on the noisy "Hooray For Andy Autio" and the bouncy feel-good hit "Summer". Opting not to rely on their Casios, Bella find themselves in a good niche, avoiding any simple categorisation, other than the one of a wonderfully enjoyable band with a keen ear for melody. - http://www.exclaim.ca

Exclaim! Mint Road Show Winner
Opening at The Plaza Club, Vancouver - October 22

Vancouver’s Bella are a trio whose music gets you all tangled up in a West coast indie pop synth dream, replete with soaring guitars and unique vocals. Bella are known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows that feature multiple instrument swaps and hip-shaking dance moves to entice the audience. They have been critically acclaimed by local music magazines across the country, and Britain’s NME called their song “Didn’t Mean to Break Our Love” a “standout tune.” Currently working on their second full-length album, Bella are sure to deliver another pop gem for the kids to dance to!

--------------------------------------------

2005 Album Review
While the number of '80's-tinged synth-pop bands grows, it's a promising sign when the good outweighs the bad. Bella are part of the reason why this sub-genre continues to flourish. Pretty Mess, their debut full-length, doesn't concern itself with carbon copying any specific bands (unlike peers the Organ), using some retro electronic gadgets to assist their blissful, light guitar-strumming pop music. Opener "Go" bathes itself in synthetic delight, while a number of other songs ("Upstairs", "Coast to Coast") tiptoe around more delicate pop arrangements. As timid as the first half may seem, it doesn't speak for the entire album. In the second half, Bella don't hesitate to turn up their guitars on the noisy "Hooray For Andy Autio" and the bouncy feel-good hit "Summer". Opting not to rely on their Casios, Bella find themselves in a good niche, avoiding any simple categorisation, other than the one of a wonderfully enjoyable band with a keen ear for melody. - http://www.exclaim.ca

Indie band Bella makes sweet, thoughtful, retro-flavoured dream-pop for the vintage-sweater crowd that seems completely out of place in a culture that's currently fawning over loud, whiny punkster boys.
Pretty Mess is the band's debut full-length album. The album's ten tracks are simple, charming and direct, with pretty melodies and sincere lyrics that recall college radio faves, such as Velocity Girl and Belle and Sebastian, layered over synthesizers, crunchy guitars, gentle piano, light backing vocals and even handclaps.

"Summer" and "Hooray for Andy Autio" will make you want to bounce around, while "Coast to Coast" and "Watching You" evoke a sense of longing. All four bandmates sing, and each voice combination creates a slightly different texture. There's no angst here - just pop music for the pure pleasure of it.

Rating: 8
- Jaclyn Law
www.umbrellamusic.com


- Jaclyn Law

Indie band Bella makes sweet, thoughtful, retro-flavoured dream-pop for the vintage-sweater crowd that seems completely out of place in a culture that's currently fawning over loud, whiny punkster boys.
Pretty Mess is the band's debut full-length album. The album's ten tracks are simple, charming and direct, with pretty melodies and sincere lyrics that recall college radio faves, such as Velocity Girl and Belle and Sebastian, layered over synthesizers, crunchy guitars, gentle piano, light backing vocals and even handclaps.

"Summer" and "Hooray for Andy Autio" will make you want to bounce around, while "Coast to Coast" and "Watching You" evoke a sense of longing. All four bandmates sing, and each voice combination creates a slightly different texture. There's no angst here - just pop music for the pure pleasure of it.

Rating: 8
- Jaclyn Law
www.umbrellamusic.com


- Jaclyn Law