Prince Bellerose Drop Uber Hit “Falling In”

Virginia’s Prince Bellerose, delivering a sound they call ‘soulful indie rock’, have released their uber hit “Falling In”. Remarkably different for its arrangement, “Falling In” is no slouch when it comes to songwriting either. This rubbery mix of guitars and a taught rhythm section play off each other like clockwork, with the lyrical imagery abound. Hold onto your forks, folks, the best is yet to come from Prince Bellerose.

BANDACMP: https://princebellerose.bandcamp.com/

Singer and bassist Daniel Bellerose takes the reigns. You reeled me in, and I took the bait, Bellerose sings. Bellerose’ voice sounds spry, but a little cheeky. Flirtatious. Rounding out the band are Valentin Prince (vocals, lead guitar) and Joseph Harder (drums, backing vocals). The members all identify as non-gender conforming. I mention this, too, because I believe it spills over into the core sound. To define this as a strictly jazz or pop rock is to be too confining. Their sound is bigger, and allows for gracious riffs and unrestricted rhythmic movements. If you’re expecting something from Miles Davis, you might hear hints of the foundation in the drum work, but for the most part, “Falling In” splinters off into several genres.

Lyrically, the song really hones in on the water theme, and it definitely works. When we are close, you are the moon, to my tide, now that my feet are wet, I’m ready to dive, Bellerose croons. Bellerose’ voice cracks, while the squeaky guitar riffs trickle. Such strong emotion portrayed with such clarity. The fact that I can clearly decipher each lyric is a blessing and beyond welcomed. I, I, I’m falling in, but I’m into deep and I cannot swim, Bellerose sings in the chorus. Bellerose hits a higher pitch with the lines but I’m into deep and it’s a cool feature, considering Bellerose could have went low, but went high. Prince’s guitar is like a pair of bendy, corduroy pants, riffing between the lines in chunks. The bass guitar, a bumbling groove, floats along like a happy camper. If “Falling In” were a movie, it would be in the style of a Wes Anderson film. The song just calls for turquois, reds and mustard yellows. Prince Bellerose’ style is dramatically indie, but their foundation is definitely rooted in jazz band and soul. The twists and turns in the bedrock make for a much more interesting and off-center experience.

Not to minimize the lyrics, but the musical bed in “Falling In” strikes a feeling of sun kisses, blowing dandelions in the sun, laughing clouds and a day at the beach. Life seems free of fear and pain; only what is front of us matters. Transporting the listener to this weightlessness is the impenetrable bond between the three members. This band can play. Playing to their strengths, “Falling In” continues the group’s sensational live vibe. Prince’s tangy guitar is the wildcard. Bellerose’ throbbing bass is consistent. Harder’s drum work is tidy, cleaning up the delicious disarray from Prince’s guitar arrangements. “Falling In” is a keeper, as are Prince Bellerose.

Michael Rand