BELLE HISTOIRE
Dreamers
[InVogue Records]
Verdict: 7/10
RIYL: States, Number One Gun, Deas Vail

When there is a female-fronted rock group, every hack reviewer feels like he has to compare them to Paramore. While many bands seem like they have tried to hop on the “chick band” bandwagon, many are unfairly compared simply because of the chromosome content of its vocalist. Thankfully, Belle Histoire sounds little to nothing like Paramore; instead, the band’s sound is a hybrid of indie rock and alternative rock, combining the melodicism of Copeland and Deas Vail with the driving energy of States and Number One Gun. Also, like those bands, there are hooks aplenty, which is perfect for the crowd that likes to hum its tunes even after listening to them. Songs like “Don’t Run Away” and “Everyday” are highly addictive, not quite to the level of tobacco, but needless to say the FDA is putting them under investigation. The most significant problem with the album is the song placement and pacing. There is almost an equal ratio of faster, more energetic numbers to slower, ballad-like songs. However, the middle and later sections are stuffed with those lighter songs, which almost makes the listener skip back to the beginning. However, a few poorly placed songs cannot derail the finished product, as Dreamers is intelligent and melodic. Fans of indie rock that lacks pretentiousness will be pleased with Belle Histoire. – by Nicholas Senior