SEPT SINGLE RELEASE – Viji ‘Karaoke’
10 October 2023
’24 has been a catalyst for Brighton goth-grungers Belmondo, and after cruising effortlessly through a European tour with industrial icons ‘Filter’, they are only pushing further with the release of their highly anticipated EP ‘The Blessed and the Evil’ – a wax-sealed package of unforgiving rock flavour with Belmondo’s trademark stamp of guitar-fuelled rage.
Maintaining a raw and energised growl from start to finish, Belmondo’s debut EP explores uncharted terrain that sets the band aside from earlier singles ‘RTD’, ‘The Gods They Know’ and ‘Pachyderm’ – delving into the sonic capabilities of the guitar and setting the instrument as the foundation to the EP. Endless layers of chorus, noise, distortion and chord-heavy thrumming have highlighted Belmondo’s trajectory into heavy rock, grunge and everything in-between, while playing homage to their experimental roots.
Lead vocalist Carmen Mellino has guided listeners through a definitive track-by-track guide, sharing inspirations, writing processes and messages – and it’s clear to see the rigorous care and consideration that has been injected into the 4-track debut. Commenting on opening track ‘Getting Closer’, Carmen shares a heartfelt confession:
‘Getting Closer is about going out and not knowing if you fit in with those around you. I have a bad habit of overthinking and I wonder constantly if people actually like me and start socially isolating myself. The lyrics aren’t a criticism, but a realisation of how I feel in those moments’
The second single released leading-up to the EP was ‘Ventriloquists’, incorporating lead vocals from guitarist Kelan and a playful call-and-response with Carmen across an infectious chorus melody. Garnished with dreamy piano and gentle whispers, the dynamic variety of ‘Ventriloquists’ is a refreshing twist on traditional grunge – and the band have balanced quiet complexity with swarming noise effortlessly across all four tracks. It’s clear to hear influences from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins and Alice In Chains, but Belmondo are simultaneously crafting their own trademark sound that warrants no comparison.
Belmondo’s line-up is finalised by the seamless guitar strumming of Laurent, and cascading drum pelts from Jules – completing a 4-piece powerhouse that are deservedly swooped under the wings of Marshall Live Agency and Silent Cult.