BELLATRIX + CRASHLAND27th January 2000 The past three weeks have seen many of Peterborough's prestigious music journalists salivating over a band called Bellatrix, whether they be promoting or reviewing.Bellatrix are originally from Iceland and are somewhat of a fascination in their homeland, with two albums already under their belt, both of which though were recorded in their native tongue. Time has come though for the five piece to leave their homeland and seek their fortune over here in the Land of Hope and Glory, where once you're on that road it's endless and the fruits become succulent with the success it brings. After signing a deal with Fierce Panda in 1999, Bellatrix released their debut UK release "Jediwannabe" in October 1999 and from there they haven't looked back. (Fierce Panda PR. Click on the Bellatrix link for a different story. CWNN) To coincide with the release of "Jediwannabe", the tail end of last year was spent promoting the release with live shows in London as well as doing the summer festivals. February 14 saw the release of their second single "The Girl with the Sparkling Eyes" and the five were due in town a few weeks prior to perform a live set in front of a buzzing crowd at The Park on Park Road, which for them was part of an 18 gig tour nationwide. The Park is a new live venue and in conjunction with Club With No Name, will be host to many gigs in the future. Unfortunately, Club With No Name has simply outgrown the homely feel of The Boys Head. Organiser and Promoter of Club With No Name, Chris Lovell has secured a major coup, not only with such a promising band, but with the venue as well. Central to Peterborough, it has easy access from all areas of the city and has a huge 1st floor where there is ample room for bands to perform and punters to spectate. After receiving a copy of the new single I was more than impressed and was buzzing with excitement and couldn't wait to see what sort of a live show they could put on. The vast majority of the Evening Session / Peel Show pop kids were also there and were anticipating a rocking night - and how pleased they were!  Bellatrix played beautiful melodies in tandem with some fascinating rhythms, the additional click tracks worked in well with Karl's drums. Lead vocalist Eliza had the men in the front row virtually down on their knees, begging for mercy as she sang like a Valkyrie drawing her victims who were captured by her vocal tones. Though not only could she sing like an angel, she played fiddle as well which added an extra dimension to their stage sound.Although hailing from Iceland they were far from similar to The Sugarcubes, though Eliza was full of Bjorkisms, funny little quotes which brought a mild breakout of laughter from the kids. The moment the first chords of "Jediwannabe" and "Girl with the Sparkling Eyes" were struck, the place went ballistic and the crowd were jumping up and down, gazing at the heroes of the hour. Bellatrix were supported by Crashland, who I thought were magnificent. They can only be described as youngsters in a similar vein to The Who. Peterborough Live. |