REVERB & SEDUCTION is the legendary Portland band’s most immersive and varied album to date. A tour de force road trip from psych rock to country duets that never strays too far from the spaghetti western roots that inspired the band so many blood moons ago.
“…equal parts Ennio Morricone, Lee Hazelwood, and Nick Cave with a touch of Chris Isaak’s less romantic side… few if any artists are brave and/or creative enough to channel this ghostly, often ominous vibe into moving, sensual and stirring music.”
HAL HOROWITZ, American Songwriter
Aka Belle
“AKA BELLE ARE ROCK N ROLL WARRIORS SUMMONING THE POWER OF THE COSMOS!
Following their muse has made Aka Belle hard to categorize over the years – defying genres with a magical blend of esoteric psych-folk; sultry, retro tropicalia jazz vibes; guitars infused with feedback wizardry; and heart-warming protest pop, topped off with meteor shower vocal harmonies – they’re anything but predictable. Throughout their organic transformations, and the urge to push their own boundaries, Aka Belle have become known for their energetic live shows; evocative, sometimes ceremonial, always powerful.
At the core, Aka Belle remains the same (Catherine Merrick, vocals, guitar, vibraphone; and Sam Merrick, guitar, vocals); disco-ball safety-helmet wearing Jake Stigers on drums and vocals; and the ever smiling Anthony Mulparry on upright bass.
After a chance meeting at a Boise State University Music Business Panel in December 2023 (and a few other synchronistic experiences), Christine Nygard followed the call of the Universe and joined the band. Christine sings, plays guitar and quickly adopted the lonely theremin that had been sitting in the band’s rehearsal space – a sound that you’ll hear in the upcoming release, “Radiant, Baby.”
Aka Belle have often appeared or recorded with a rolling cast of characters who add to their eclectic on and off stage antics/personalities – past accomplices include Gina Gregerson of Dirt Fishermen; Troy Wright of Treepeople/Sugar Pox; Mollie Long Williams of We Are You; Gia Trotter of Roller Dome; Jenn Sutkowski of Trippy Hearts; various members of Hillfolk Noir; Curtis Stigers; Brett Netson of Earth/Caustic Resin/Snakes/Built to Spill – just to name a few).
“Don’t be afraid of time or change – it’s constant-” Aka Belle sing in their 2021 release, “New Highs in Leadership;” clearly acknowledging and prophesying their metamorphoses as they explore their own universe and beyond.”
