Dante: Indie Rock-Pop Takes Flight

Artist: Dante
Title: Starbelly
Genre: Pop-Rock
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.dantessongs.com

Lead singer Dante fondly reminded me of Chrissie Hynde on their 6-track CD Starbelly. I found their music powerful and with just enough buff and polish to have an appealing pop flavor to go along with their solid rock foundation. That combination can be most difficult to achieve when you are trying to reach the rock and pop audience at the same time.

The talent that each member of the group has is used in such a way that every bit of feeling and passion comes through in the music, thereby giving the recording solid ground to build each track, making it an above average production in every aspect. The balance of the sexes is in place, forming a give and take relationship with two women and two men combining their raw energy and aptitudes very well to make for an androgynous blend of energy.

"Bad Water" was the one tune that really caught my ear. It sounds a little off kilter at first but when you listen on the second spin, you cannot get it out your head. This proved to me their wherewithal and abilities to assemble a memorable tune with all the hooks to keep you comin’ back for more. Actually, the entire recording is like that. This music stays with you like a peanut butter sandwich, it sticks to your ribs and belly for a long time. This band has a lot to offer the listener and I think many more good things will come if they stay the course they are on right now.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

March 6, 2004

1. 2 Faces - 2:54
2. The New Girl - 3:23
3. I Believe - 3:54
4. Empty Streets - 4:15
5. Bad Water - 2:48
6. Dreaming - 3:18

Credits:

Dante: Vocals, Keyboards, Songs
Huss: Guitars, Vocals
Josh D: Bass
April: Drums

Rating-4 / 5