Rootsy Ontario combo Dinner Belles released their album West Simcoe County in 2011, and now they're back with a new album and a record deal. The River and the Willow will be out on October 28 through Sonic Unyon.
The album was recorded last fall and winter with Andy Magoffin (Constantines, Great Lake Swimmers) at his House of Miracles studio in Cambridge, ON. Some of the songs were written on the spot at the studio, and some of the band members lived in the studio full time during the sessions.
Recording was mostly done live off the floor, with many of the original vocal takes being used in the final versions. A press release notes that the arrangements include trumpet, xylophone, accordion, baritone guitar and bells. The resulting album apparently "highlights the band's collaborative songwriting style and harmony-driven vocals."
For a taste of what the band cooked up, check out the woodsy gallop of "Wandering Eye" below. A performance video for the same tune — filmed in a barn by Southern Souls — is also below.
The album was recorded last fall and winter with Andy Magoffin (Constantines, Great Lake Swimmers) at his House of Miracles studio in Cambridge, ON. Some of the songs were written on the spot at the studio, and some of the band members lived in the studio full time during the sessions.
Recording was mostly done live off the floor, with many of the original vocal takes being used in the final versions. A press release notes that the arrangements include trumpet, xylophone, accordion, baritone guitar and bells. The resulting album apparently "highlights the band's collaborative songwriting style and harmony-driven vocals."
For a taste of what the band cooked up, check out the woodsy gallop of "Wandering Eye" below. A performance video for the same tune — filmed in a barn by Southern Souls — is also below.
