Bellehouse (EP Release Show)

Brooklyn-based Bellehouse, driven by a vocal trio that evokes a three-headed siren amidst the warm familiarity of an old-time string band, has been spinning tales of urban Americana since the beginning of 2013. Bellehouse draws influence from Old Time and early folk-revival while pulling from a broad host of other genres – including Celtic trad, classic rock, soul and Motown, Balkan choir and beyond. The resulting synergy walks the line between down-home roots music and intellectual acoustic folk-rock.

Bellehouse presents as a duo (band founders Clinton and Haines) and as a full-on string band. A choir-like triumvirate of voices draws listeners to the proverbial fireside. Double bass, guitar, banjo and viola lay foot-stomping fuel for the fire – as guides through an intricate, earthy world of pulsing unplugged rhythms. They may lure you with a ballad then turn on a dime for more raw acoustic harmony, the whole attendance closely in tow.

Bellehouse includes Jess Taylor Clinton (vocals, guitar, songwriting), Sarah Elizabeth Haines (vocals, viola), Catie Friel (vocals), Nick Lenchner (bass), and Ryan Gross (banjo, vocals). Although Clinton hails from Los Angeles, Bellehouse’s following is strongest in the New York City area as well as much of Northern New Jersey, where 3 of the 5 members were reared.