Belle Brigade: Local Band We Love

The buzz behind LA band Belle Brigade, led by siblings Barbara and Ethan Gruska, has grown quickly for three significant reasons –

1) their maternal grandfather is Oscar- and Grammy-winning film composer John Williams (Star Wars, Jaws, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark)

2) Barbara is an in-demand drummer on the LA music scene. She honed her skills at both Oberlin College and Cal Arts before dropping out to hit the road with The Bird and The Bee’s Inara George, followed by tours with Benji Hughes and Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis.

3) The songs are so catchy, you’ll find yourself singing them for days! A perfect example is “Sweet Louise,” which you can stream below (and download as Today’s Top Tune on Monday, January 24!)

Sweet Louise by The Belle Brigade

Jason Bentley has a few favorites on their album and calls their music “exhilarating.”

Fleetwood Mac is the band comparison that comes to mind first because of their sweet harmonies. But it’s far more upbeat, almost like Fleetwood Mac set to the pace of life in 2011. Barbara’s drumming is obviously key and, in their live shows, it’s hard to take your eyes off her – whether she’s behind the kit or playing guitar.

They’ve been playing a residency at Spaceland all month and you can still catch them on January 24 and January 31.

RR