Photos by Eldon Christenson // Written by Dara Shulman //
Wild Belle //
The Independent – San Francisco
September 26th, 2013 //
Fast-rising sibling duo Natalie and Elliot Bergman of Wild Belle impressed at the group’s sold-out show at The Independent. Lead singer Natalie remarked toward the end of the performance that “this first headlining show [in SF] has been a magical evening.” By the time the show concluded, it was obvious that many in the room were thinking the same thing.
Natalie Bergman’s sexy, raspy voice is a soulful blend of Macy Gray and M.I.A. for comparison sake and is clearly Wild Belle’s not-so-secret weapon. She fronts the four piece band, which features her songwriting partner and kin Elliot on both keys and saxophone. Natalie is an all around package of star power — from her seductive voice to her striking blonde locks, she beams on stage. Every move she makes exudes cool and a smooth style.
The band follows her captive lead with on-point instrumentals. Jazzy, island sounds kept hips moving at a steady pace at this San Francisco show. There’s a worldly element to Wild Belle’s music, and the Chicago-based outfit’s approach to fuzing mildly psychedelic funk & reggae appeals to contemporary indie-rock fans that digest new music with a progressive twinge at a ravenous pace. It’s this amalgamation of genres that is most enticing about Wild Belle’s sound.
The talented Elliot plays a third instrument as well, the electric kalimba, keeping his worldly roots in tact from his former band NOMO. Fellow NOMO band members Erik Hall (guitar), Quinn Kirtcher (drums), and Kellen Harrison (bass) comprise the Wild Belle touring act.
At one point during the set, the sibs traded instruments. Natalie took over on keys while Elliot projected lead vocals — are all siblings this talented? The only slight disappointment, which is typical for an act with one long player under their belt, was that the set was a short one.
Wild Belle played faithful versions of songs from their 2013 release Isles, including favorites such as “Shine,” “Keep You,” and “Backslider.” Those in attendance Thursday were treated to a sneak peak off Wild Belle’s next album, and the unnamed track possesses the same island-jazz roots but included heavy blues vocals.
This may have been the first headlining show in San Francisco for a group that is destined for bigger venues and more fans, and based on the vibes that circled around The Independent last week, things are just starting for Wild Belle.
I hope they’re show in Atlanta at The Earl this Thursday is gonna be just as impressive as this one sounds!!!