Oh Humanity by The Belle Sounds

Originally meant to be recorded and released in 2023, The Belle Sounds had to put things on hold as both Noëlle and André were working hard producing and recording other artists, but Oh Humanity is finally here. Produced by Noëlle Hampton, engineered and co-production by André Moran, this 21 minute hook laden EP is shimmering with lush synths, gorgeous guitars, rhythmic ear candy, addictive melodies and their signature vocal harmonies from lead singer Noëlle Hampton and fellow keyboardist Emily Shirley. This is their sixth release, not counting the twelve singles they released in 2020.
Oh Humanity was recorded in Hampton’s home studio in Austin and at Cedar Creek Studio (run by Moran) and mixed by André at CCS. Many of the songs on this new EP emerged from the 11:59 Songwriting group, a prompt writing group in Austin run by musician Dave Madden. It’s an ever growing and inspiring collection of some of Austin’s (and beyond) best musicians, writers, poets and artists. The title track, Oh Humanity was written from the prompt, Ubuntu, an African term that means 'humanity to others'. It is often described as reminding us that 'I am what I am because of who we all are’. Torn by her feelings about the deep divisive state we are in politically as well as the world she took a different angle to talk about how disappointing it is to not feel a true sense of community anymore. Her inner Sagittarius comes out on Just One Rule (explicit) as she lets the world know that she has just one rule, “Don’t f**k with my heart.” Thirteen is personal recounting of her teenage years with a warning to not forget how much they influenced who you are today. If John Hughes were making movies like Sixteen Candles again he might use Before You Do in a sickly sweet and heartbreaking teen love scene. Is It Still OK to Dream? is directly influenced by ‘The Last of Us’ (HBO’s apocalyptic series of survival and trust between two strangers) and Lost Out Here gives us a slow, beautiful kiss goodbye and “thank you for listening” as Hampton contemplates the massive amount of music put out into the world everyday, with artists fighting for attention from anywhere they can find it.

Synth-pop quintet The Belle Sounds have been called “one of the best pop bands in Austin” (Austin American Statesman), “Best New Band” (Austin Chronicle) Their sound is rich with effervescent harmonies & poignant lyricism, floating guitars and sparkling synths, all anchored by a reverence for good old fashioned hooks.

thebellesounds.com
Facebook
vm.tiktok.com
Instagram