BELA
'Til Summer Ends (Mother West)
Reviewed by Bill Holmes

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Not that I'm not intrigued by a band that features a cellist (and at times, a second cellist), but as interesting as this music might be to hear, there doesn't seem to be one damned thing that sticks in my memory. Even when I listen to the record again, days later, I can't remember what's going to happen next and enjoy the anticipatory thrill of participating with the band at that level.

Bela also features a theremin player, a guest violinist and a very capable core band of guitar/bass/drums to back up singer/songwriter Jeff Hogan's concepts. I guess I have to fault Hogan here - his voice is mild and non-descript, the songs are forgettable and the entire concept barely raises a blip on my emotional radar. At best, like "Back At The Strip", they're a second-rate Morphine emulating psychedelic rock. At worst, it's a nightmare art-rock combo your girlfriend dragged you to see. "Interesting", she promises.

"Interesting" is a great compliment for a book, but music needs to have a little more than that, at least for me. Not necessarily unpleasant to stumble across, but nothing you'll find yourself reaching for anytime soon.

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© 2000 - Bill Holmes