After Reflector's members parted ways a couple of years ago, drummer Jake Cardwell devoted the bulk of his energies to becoming a professional sideman. In addition to stints in the New Amsterdams (Get Up Kid Matt Pryor's folk contrivance) and Tijuana Crime Scene (GUK producer/collaborator Alex Brahl's all-star undertaking), the frizzy-'froed skinbasher has cropped up on discs that, amazingly, have little direct GUKs involvement. The Belles' Omerta, featuring Creature Comforts singer/guitarist Chris Tolle and Cardwell on a number of percussion toys, explores the soft underbelly of the rock beast. Stepping away from the Comforts' four-chord pop stompers, Tolle heads for the beach, bringing an acoustic guitar and a hatful of pet sounds for good measure. The Brian Wilson-influenced harmonies and hushed backdrops leave ample room for Tolle's simple yet effective melodies and haunted voice.
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