The Belle Game – Ritual Tradition Habit

Ritual Tradition Habit can be simply described as a lovely, dark surprise. I couldn’t help but give in to the tantalizing and frightening moods of The Belle Game, as the Vancouver natives’ debut album captures heartbreak in the most intricate way. With this album, The Belle Game weaves us through a journey of emptiness and fulfillment all at the same time.

This album truly tells a story. The band launches us into a confusing adventure of highs and lows – but it somehow all makes sense. From the start, Andrea Lo’s mesmerizing vocals are a stunning companion to the crashing symbols and atmospheric sounds blaring from the guitars. Without question, the most compelling song on the album is “River.” Lo’s voice trembles when she finishes confessing, “I’ve been your river since we were kids.” Whatever pain Lo was feeling when she sang this song, I could feel it too.

There are pivotal moments in RTH, specifically “Tradition,” that left me with chills. The only way I could describe this album is that the name of it describes it perfectly – the band reminds us of all the memories past and present that we don’t want to remember, yet we are programmed to revisit. It’s a habit.