Andrew Belle - Black Bear
‘The Ladder’ went on to become one of my favorite albums of 2010. A record full of comfort, containing melodies that bubbled over with soothing acoustic tones. On first listen, I compared ‘The Ladder’ to another artist based on Belle’s fairly distinct vocals, a connection I no longer hear. Now in 2013, Andrew Belle has changed his musical facade. As a listener how do you make peace with an artist’s decision to change everything you thought you knew about them? How are you honest with yourself about the new music, without letting it affect the previous music?
After 3 days and probably 5 casual listens when I first got to the album, I could only remember the tune to “Wants What It Wants.” I was stunned. I remember hearing the other songs, but I couldn’t hum another song from ‘Black Bear’ to save my life. This actually brought a smile to my face as I thought about the main things I think define a really great release. The first is longevity and the second is mood.
No matter the complexity or shock an album brings, eventually you’ll learn its ins and outs and wear it like a pair of old sweatpants. The longer it takes to become familiar the longer it’s likely to be a musical puzzle your brain is feeding on it, trying to unwind, only craving it more.
With mood, certain records literally shine when you’re on at the top of your game, while others are meant for your darkest of days. When a release can be everything, slow when you need slow, and upbeat when you’re full of energy, it doesn’t become relegated to any one time. ‘Black Bear’ does all of these things. It has longevity, it’s not pigeonholed to any mood, and above all it sparks excitement.
Musically, there’s very little connection between ‘The Ladder’ and ‘Black Bear,’ if any. The record makes a break from the acoustic past and lands squarely in the present, unapologetic for any discomfort in transition. It really does feel like many years have gone by while you listen to “Pieces,” or “Sister,” or “The Enemy,” but it still feels familiar. Whether an acoustic guitar or electronic instrument, it doesn’t matter because the depth, feel, and style all remain specific to Belle with his intense focus on the end result. If you thought ‘The Ladder’ was a distant cousin to Mat Kearney, then ‘Black Bear’ is a more accessible version of James Blake.
Long time fans should feel some discomfort, but the same essence is still intact and will ease the transition. Initially the change was overwhelming, it just seemed too different to connect the dots from past albums, but after a while with the record, well, I love it.
Listen to the new single, “Pieces.”