Regular Columnists

Artist: Band:Bella Ruse
Album: Kuhzoo
Website: http://www.bellaruse.com
Genre: Americana, Folk, Acoustic
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Best Songs: Sea Love, Black and Flowers
CD Review: Minneapolis Indie Duo, Bella Ruse has released their first full length CD, Kuhzoo, a delightful collection of quirky and immensely interesting songs. Bella Ruse is Kay Gillette and Joseph Barker and together they create an indie/Americana sound that is both unique and familiar. They're joined here by a variety of players but the show belongs to Barker and Gillette. The Kazoo Song kicks off the fun. Gillette's vocal is incredibly endearing with Barker's strong guitar. Gillette throws in some glockenspiel, toy piano, organ, and kazoo while Nathan Eliot adds bass and Alexander Young plays drums. Sea Love is one of my favorites on the CD. It's just Gillette and Barker here and both really shine. Gillette's vocal is ethereal and Barker plays a variety of guitars including an instrumental that is beautifully layered. Black And Flowers is another standout with dazzling finger picking by Barker and a wonderful lyric that Gillette delivers in her unique breathy style. I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from Bella Ruse. They are inventive, unique, and I could listen to Kay Gillette's voice all day. The production and arrangements are top notch and the songs are well written and interesting. Kuhzoo is a keeper.