To see Maura Davis perform with Denali was to know that she was destined for bigger things. The group struggled to create worthy vehicles for Davis' operatic range and graceful phrasing. Too often, its hooks felt frustratingly inaccessible, as if they were encased in ice. Denali dissolved when Davis' brother, Keeley, left to pursue another project, but she surfaced last summer with members of Pinebender, Joan of Arc and Euphone in tow.
Bella Lea lets Davis carry the melodic weight, decorating her delicate delivery with shimmering noise. The group only recently recorded its debut EP, so its set list will consist of unreleased material. Think of this as an I-saw-them-when opportunity, because now that Davis boasts stellar songs as well as star power and stage presence, it shouldn't be long before Bella Lea starts selling out shows at much larger venues.
