Live music review: 90s alt-rockers Belly resurfaced at Mohawk to celebrate King album 30th anniversary
The 1990s saw many monumental alternative rock and indie releases that many music fans, new and old, hold dear. For some, it’s The Lonesome Crowded West by Modest Mouse, Slanted & Enchanted by Pavement, or Dolittle by Pixies. There are too many hidden gems that fly under the radar, however, proving that we as music lovers, need to go crate-digging at our favorite record stores a lot more often. For Rhode Island’s Belly’s second album, King, a body of work with the underrated alt-rock icons exists, featuring crossover membership with the likes of Throwing Muses, L7, and The Breeders. With this seminal rock and roll legacy in mind, Belly released the now 30-year-old record in 1995 and disbanded shortly after. In 2016, the New England-hailing quartet reunited for another record and has since embarked on an anniversary tour to commemorate the now landmark release. On Wednesday, December 11 in the Red River Cultural District at scene staple Mohawk, fans both old-school and new were treated to a two-set experience by Belly that included that penultimate sophomore effort and other offerings from their scant but worthwhile catalogue.
The Wednesday gig featured no opener, just Belly promptly taking the stage at 8 p.m., promising an epic night of music ahead. The first set consisted of the album, but not in the order it appeared on its original release. Bassist Gail Greenwood declared, “Back when we released this album, everyone had opinions about the sequencing, and we decided we didn’t like it.” So to say it was played out of order is technically right, but they delivered a reimagining of a record that’s been on record turntables for three decades running.
Things felt anything but phoned in for the Tanya Donelly-led act, and the Providence players were visibly giving it their all. Ticket sales for Mohawk appeared to fill the venue to only half capacity, a refreshing change of pace from the busy concert season that sees frequent sold-out, sometimes comically oversold shows. There was plenty of room to dance around the coveted outdoor downtown Austin space.
Belly’s style can drift between sweet alternative rock and psychedelic moodiness. Each song breathes memories and nostalgia that Donelly and Greenwood joyfully bantered with the crowd about, along with the enthusiastic inclusion of brother duo drummer Chris Gorman and lead guitarist Tom Gorman, both propping up the ensemble with hypnotic drumbeats and searing lead guitar and backing vocals, respectively. For a crowd that appeared to span generations, fans of all ages could be seen singing along and interacting with the band, creating a worthy, mutual give-and-take vibe. The Northeasterners appeared to have a blast performing on the Mohawk stage.
The second set of music gave fans a tour through the early years and recent studio resurgence. And at Greenwood’s insistence, “We put out a record in 2018, we didn’t just fade into obscurity!” Even if the tunes were overshadowed by the ’90s chart-toppers of the era, they still hold up. A tastefully emulated cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic “Are You Experienced?” closed out the second set, bringing out a deep cut that appeared on the Stone Free tribute record that included the likes of The Cure, Eric Clapton, Pretenders, and even jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny. Legends among legends, and Belly deserves a spot in the decades of rock and roll royalty.
Belly wrapped their US tour in Nashville last week, with no other dates announced at this time. Other information can be found via the band’s website.
All photos by Troy Gonzales
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