Review of The Bellrays's CD "Meet The Bellrays"

The Bellrays: Meet The Bellrays

Alan McGee's introduction of The Hives has been nothing less than a marketing success, but if only the same could be said for his recent unveiling of The Bellrays. The Californian's launch in the UK received lukewarm approval and even the proven formula of releasing a 'welcome to' styled CD compilation has made little positive impact. The problem appears to lie in the fact that the LA-based band is reliving late 1960's Detroit through every moment of their thrashy mix of garage rock and soul; even the catalogue number points the finger at MC5 and '69. To their advantage vocalist Lisa Kekaula thunders along with such a booming intensity; the lyrics are encased within ire and delivered with incredible velocity, suggesting they have no problems when kicking out the jams. The many critics may well point at the glaring comparisons with the never-bettered MC5 yet whatever similarities are contained within, this album is still a must buy.

• www.thebellrays.com

Find related articles: cd compilation, lisa kekaula, alan mcgee, bellrays, proven formula.