Belle Histoire is somewhat of a unique band. This certainly shows on their debut full length record, Dreamers. It almost gives the bridge in the first track (“Don’t you run away…) some sense. Don’t you run away from this band despite its somewhat unexpected market exposure thus far. What do I mean? They signed to InVogue Records, a new label that mainly has more bands of the Warped Tour variety. Oh, what genre is Belle Histoire you ask? Well, they are an indie pop band. Consider them a cross between Eisley and Deas Vail. Back to why their exposure has been a bit unusual thus far: they until recently were on Red Lotus Management’s roster, alongside This Love and metalcore up and comers Wolves at the Gate. Also, they recently landed a slot opening for the widely popular Before Their Eyes, known for their poppy vocals amongst their very, very metalcore influenced music.

Seriously now, these guys (and a girl) are great. For those unfamiliar with Deas Vail and Eisley, the former is a driving indie rock group with surprisingly intense guitar and drum work despite its docile first impressions. The latter is a family band known for its three sisters who can all sing very well. That, and they are backed by a brother and a cousin on bass and drums, but I digress. In short, Dreamers extols Belle Histoire’s ability to take the best of both these bands and churn them out into one easily accessible package that stands on its own as well. “Keep Your Heart” sounds a lot like a Deas Vail track with its lone bass drum beat and overlapping simple guitar licks. “Kids” has one of the catchiest choruses on the record, with some nice male/female contrast in the vocals in “whoas.” Album ender “Home” shows off Jane Smith’s vocal abilities the best – the track really allows their richness to shine. “See You Again” was another personal favorite.

Belle Histoire will certainly turn some heads toward the Cincinnati scene. They already did at the inaugural Bunbury Festival in Cincinnati and they should continue to do so on tour (they have one coming up with Tallhart as of the time of this review). This group touring with Before Their Eyes is odd, but since I (a metalhead) have been won over I’m sure they won a few new fans on that tour too.

Score: 4.5/5

Belle Histoire: Facebook | Official