"Belley...?" You might ask?
"It's the word we use to describe ourselves," Jen McCullough '97, the musical director of the Decibelles, said. "We're the Decibelles and we're 'Belley.'"
It seems that being "belley" also means being committed, hardworking, and -- most of all -- busy!
The Decibelles have had an active 20th year as one of Dartmouth's prominent all-female a cappella groups, taking on an average of two shows a week.
They performed in last year's Fall Fling and Winter Whingding, learned many new songs, and recorded "Belley," their fifth album.
"Belley" proves to be a quality product of the hard work these women put into their group.
The 16 tracks are a selection of the Decibelles' best and display a balanced mix of upbeat numbers and ballads. The songs themselves are recognizable hits that span decades.
Highlights include "Time & Tide," with a strong duet sung by Sarah Eckels '97 and Meghan Barry '97.
The background on this track is a close harmony and syncopated rhythm that best demonstrates the Decies' ability to blend as a group.
McCullough's soft, low alto voice shines in the ballad, "Water Runs Dry," and the rest of the group skillfully matches her tone and style.The more upbeat tracks include Sarah Lugaric '96 on "Express Yourself" and "The Sign," "Chains of Love," sung by Ngina Simpson '97, and Camille-Laure Masini '97 on "Heat Wave."
These tracks are reminiscent of the fun and liveliness of a Decibelles concert, but seem to lack the energy and enthusiasm that the women exhibit live.
The exception is the last track, with soloist Mansini on "Holding Out For a Hero." The excitement is contagious, and for once the smiles of the Decibelles that are in the pictures on the album cover can be heard in their music.
Four tracks on the album are sung by the group as a whole: "Scarborough Fair," "Africa," "Love Will Come to You," and "King of Pain."
Without soloists, the group's skills in blending and creating a strong, unified sound are showcased. "Scarborough Fair" and "Africa" were meant to be sung by the Decibelles -- they create a beautiful, feminine, breezy sound with both.
The group uses that same soft, easy sound to take off some of the edge of the Indigo Girls in "Love Will Come to You." And the challenge of Sting's "King of Pain" is doubled with the Decibelles' difficult arrangement, but they manage to pull it off with the same soft style.
The hard work that went into this album has the Decibelles eager for a break.
They and their three newest members, freshmen Jennifer Platt, Emily Cooke and Emily Cullen are relaxing this fall after an eventful and rewarding year.
They plan to sit back and listen to their new album, have some fun concerts, and start learning some new songs for the coming year. Some of these songs include "Killing Me Softly" and "Head Over Feet."The 13 women will still be singing regularly, but in between shows, "Belley" is a welcome dose of the Decies.
The Decibelles will be selling "Belley," $12 for CD and $8 for cassette, in Thayer Dining Hall today and tomorrow from 5 to 7:30 p.m. "Belley" may also be purchased in the Topside convenience store.
A promotional copy of the CD was provided by the Decibelles.
