From the Carpenters and Donnie & Marie, to the Fiery Furnaces and the Knife, brother/sister musical duos are all the rage. Even Rufus & Martha Wainwright have been known to team up recently, despite long-standing solo careers. There's something about siblings that give a genetic advantage to working together. Of course, like with any relationship, it can all go terribly wrong (see The Kinks or Oasis). But when it works, there is something invisible that connects them in making telepathically quality music.
While at the University of Michigan, Elliot Bergman formed NOMO, whose Afro-beat flavored instrumentals garnered quite a following. Younger sister Natalie Bergman would occasionally join the group on the road, slowly making herself indispensible by first manning the merchandise table, then playing percussion and singing backup in the band, and even writing & performing her own songs with the group. Naturally this experience brought the two closer together musically, and it quickly became clear there was another project that needed to be explored. Thus was born Wild Belle.
Making their full-length debut, the Bergmans expand their sound to include soul and reggae, jazz and indie pop, all tied together with a seasoned knowledge of how best to use electronic production techniques. It's a potent mix, especially combined with Natalie's ever-confident vocals, making for a noteworthy debut.
-Eric J. Lawrence
Pre-order Isles here: http://smarturl.it/isles
If you happen to be headed to Austin, TX for this year’s SXSW Event, check them out live at KCRW’s official evening showcase at Haven, Wednesday, March 13 at 8pm!
Track List:
01. Keep You
02. It's Too Late Shine Twisted
03. Backslider
04. Happy Home
05. Another Girl
06. Love Like This
07. When It's Over
08. June
09. Take Me Away