BeThisBell – The Sun King (Album Review)

Today’s artist is a returning act that takes a stand against the conformity of music these days, with an aura of authenticity laden throughout their artistry. Meet BeThisBell, the fiery and potent American alternative rock band. We’ve covered their previous release, with a more in-depth exploration of their history that you can read right here.

The voice of the band is BeTh IsBell, who not only provides the vocals but also contributes through her artistry through songwriting and playing the guitar as well. The band also consists of the bassist Cody Fowler aka Horse Thief who acts as another permanent member, and guitarist Justin Hays. The band is a fresh take in the world of rock music, combining influences from punk, grunge and psychedelic rock as well.

Their previous release. ‘The Red Album’, impressed me with the amount of vigour and authenticity jam-packed into a single album- not to mention the high level of musical variability the act had. Will their current release, ‘The Sun King’ match up to the high expectations of the previous album? Let’s find out.

The Sun King features seven new tunes featuring the band’s only permanent members Isbell and Fowler. It also bears the artistry of the drummer Ty Clark, hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Besides that, lead guitarists Ray Triana who graduated from the Humboldt State Univ. College of Music as well as the amazingly talented multi-instrumentalist Spencer Kennedy who plays the guitar, bass, drums and keyboard also contributes to this release. Both of them aim to contribute intricate, as well as semi-jazzy lead guitar line’s to isBell’s ferocious tunes. Extra credit also goes to the Oklahoma City based pianist Holly Murphy on the song Sun King, creating a haunting, yet soothing feel against the tricked-out vocals. Following the contributions from the main album, Isbell also contributes to the guitar arrangement of the album through her own soulful lead guitar.

From the start of the album, it is quite apparent that this album has a lighter flair than the previous release. However, it does not lack any depth or musical variability whatsoever. It is jam-packed with polyphonic melodies contrasting with each other, harmonising at times. In a way, this album reminds me of the noise-rock sensibilities of Sonic Youth. It oozes a sort of vibrancy and youth through the way the songs are composed as well as presented. It is very lively, with elements that still keep you standing through the boisterousness of the bass. I do notice very interesting motifs played within the songs itself, that give the compositions a feel of shimmer. In terms of the vocals, I’d have to say that the delivery of the vocals remind me of glam rock, to an interesting degree, especially in the first track.

The expectations and quirks of this album is honest and truthful, reflected in the songs itself. The pianist Holly Murphy definitely stuns in the title-track, with a bit of atonal and jazz piano directing the melodic flair of the song while the guitars provide an everlasting edge. The specialty of BeThisBell definitely lies in the seamless delivery of each and every one of their compositions, all while lacing it with multiple genres. Yes, there are aspects of jazz and psychedelia littered throughout each rock song, but as you listen to the album further other elements stick out- almost like the experience of solving a word puzzle or a logic puzzle. It ‘pops’ out to you as you realise it- aspects like theatrical Broadway music and a cinematic flair as well. I’d say from an intellectual standpoint this album is very intellectually stimulating with the amount of countermelodies being presented and variables given to the listener to dissect, all while painting a very complex yet authentic listening experience.

There is also a vulnerable, Bluesy aspect to some of the tracks of the album, giving the listener a wider palette to choose from instead of being bombarded with the same tone when it comes to the composition of these tracks. These tracks are also still delicately genius even though they stray from intensity, as they bloom like flowers as you listen to them. The juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability also makes the cinematic and theatrical aspect of this album speak out to me, as it feels like as if i’m going through a multi-dimensional play.

Throughout the album, the vocal work is also commendable. Not a note out of tune, or a passage contradicting the compositional intent of the track itself. It is also very excellently mastered, with each instrument having an opportunity to shine without being understated due to the tropes of poor mastering. Everything is crisp, put into place, and extremely inviting for you to perceive. Given BeThisBell’s excellent production and compositional track record, this is truly not a surprise. Good, proficient art with a quirk and passion is what they promise, and that is what will be delivered to you.

Score/Excellent: BeThisBell returns with a wonderful mirage of guitarwork, atonal and jazzy pianos, as well as complex compositional techniques with ‘Sun King’. The album is bound to have the listener excited and tuned completely to the album as they listen to it, immersing the listener with their wonderfully unique blend of multigenre music under the umbrella of rock. Highly recommended.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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