The Belafontes

The Belafontes are a 2 piece that sounds like a 5 piece. After a string of bass players that didn’t work out, the husband and wife team decided to go duo, but they didn’t want to sacrifice the Belafontes sound: They don’t do it using loops or backing tracks, or the “white stripes” stripped back method. Paul re wires guitars to go to 3 different amps, plays in alternate tunings, and weaves lead and rhythm sounds together in one song. Jess stands up so she can dance while kicking a hole through the bass drum; tambourines and other paraphernalia are suspended from cymbals for maximum volume. The pair sings in either their signature harmony, or in biting back and forth; trading phrases about life and love in the city.

The couple started playing together as a wedding present: learning love songs for a siblings nuptial celebrations quickly turned into sitting around their op shop organ and playing soul classics late at night. After realizing they could write their own love songs, they penned Beach Boys inspired surf pop, which has grown scuzzier and dirtier with every release.

They make music that will make you happy: They stand apart from their contemporaries in Melbourne by writing music that makes you love life. Instead of bringing you the harsh realities of your own existence (there’s plenty of bands out there for that), The Belafontes pack as much joy as they can into 2-3 minutes of guitar slinging sunshine. It’s not just good music; it’s good for you.