Cosmic Muse Rekords [CD, 2007]

Beliss’ self-titled album could be more aptly named “bliss.” Okay, I admit that’s a cheap shot but this album is seriously making my life blissful right now. Their sound immediately reminds me of The Softies. And I love The Softies. In fact I love any band with perfect harmonies, acoustic guitars and female vocals. Except Beliss’ voices are a little earthier, deeper and almost guttural, seriously invoking the jazz singers of old rather than do-wop sugery, G-rated rock.

According to their website, these two Portland-based sisters, Belinda and Melissa Underwood are both musicians trained in jazz and classical music. In this respect, their music is similar to Jolie Holland’s smoky and intricate tunes. But there is still certain sweetness to their songs no matter how jazzy or organic their voices get.

With music that is more pinot than Welsh’s, it gives a different perspective to songs like “Baby Cop.” They’re singing its funny lyrics with a pout making the rhyming kind of sexy:

They took him from his mother To be the right hand of big brother And he just wants to protect us From all the drugs that wreck us …You’re a big cop now
But on “Elvira”, the cute song about a pet bunny, possibly the one depicted in the album’s cover art, there are no dirty innuendos or Devendra Banhart-esque bestiality. It’s just a song about a pet with ukuleles and smoky vocals. In fact this song could be a pop treasure, slow and slippery sweet:

She likes to chew cardboard Devour power chords She learns of things threw her teeth La la la la la la
On this album they summon all sorts of sounds with their world beats, violins and guest musicians from Pink Martini. Honestly, I prefer their silly songs about old men and rabbits and the police. The more serious songs with the world music influence did not really capture my imagination. I feel bad positioning them next to so many other bands because even though the sound is familiar it is still a unique experiment. Every song just attracts so many other good bands and emotions.

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