Bella Clava

February 4, 2013 - A busy weekend of killer music started early with Jason Bonham's extraordinary Led Zeppelin Experience on Thursday night, followed by the amazing Comfortably Numb, Canada's Pink Floyd Show, on Friday night. Saturday night marked a return to Comfortably Numb, plus TimeGiant and In My Coma, which you can read about here. But in the middle of it all was a not-to-be-missed blazing performance by one of Toronto's best live rock bands, Bella Clava, one of our Top 10 Indie Bands of the Year, back at the Bovine on Friday night.
It'd been a long time since we'd caught Bella Clava at the Bovine last August. Since then they'd made a couple brief forays into the States, but had played locally only once since (a gig at the Mod Club which we sadly missed when we made an unfortunate trek to Rama to see an uninspiring Lindsay Buckingham).
On Friday, the band immediately staked a claim to a position on this year's Top Indie Band list with a high energy set that contained fan favourites like Conflict & Desire, I'm Sick, Food For Cannibals, Loose Screw and of course, Dong Dong Ditch. They did an amazing encore of Aerosmith's Rats In The Cellar.
To say we love Bella Clava would be something of an understatement. This band kicks ass live like few others and vocalist/keyboardist Caitlin Dacey has a unique and sincere way connecting with every single person in the audience. Steve Suttie is without question the most dynamic guitarist in the city today. - T-MAK world

After that, it was a quick hustle over to The Drinkery to witness the Hard Rock fireworks provided by Thunder Bay, Ontario’s Bella Clava. I had written up the CityBeat preview for the band so I was already inclined to check them out, but the Mad Anthony guys had done some gigs with them and were highly recommending the show, so Bella Clava went from “possible” to “definite” in short order. The adrenalized quartet was hotter than fresh lava and proceeded to melt every face in the jammed Drinkery space with the ferocity of a bull on crystal meth. Frontwoman Caitlin Dacey was a mind meld of Ann and Nancy Wilson, switching between guitar and keyboard, guitarist Steve Suttie channeled the likes of Jimmy Page and Richie Blackmore with sweat-drenched conviction and fury, and the rhythm section of bassist Scott Hannigan and drummer Zack Mykula created a thunderous bottom that could have been registering as a seismic event.


The band was clearly moved by the MidPoint love they were receiving; at the end of their set, Caitlin noted, “I need to get a picture of you guys; my mom won’t believe it.” Ringo Jones hopped on stage and got a shot of the band with the Drinkery’s Rock drunk crowd behind them. It was a thing of beauty.

There were so many people at the Bella Clava and The Dukes Are Dead shows that my memories are kind of bubbly around the edges, like a burnt photograph. The Mad Anthony guys were all there, Jeremy Constantinople from Banderas, Paul Roberts and the gang (which sounds like they’re the Cosby Kids or something, but they’re not, I’d bet), and Beth, who I met at the Black Owls show, and a guy named Chad who has a band in Newport and wanted to hire Randy after the last Dukes show (he told me the name of his band, but the opening paragraph should be referenced for clarification) and Dan Bockrath who bought me a Red Stripe because it was the only beer the Drinkery had left, and you were there, and you and you. And it was a beautiful, beautiful night filled with amazing people and fabulous music and love. Or at least really intense like. And it stoned me. Or the opening paragraph did. Either way, blissed out at MidPoint again and again and again. - CityBeat

Let’s get some things out of the way. Bella Clava aren’t metal, I know that. I am also aware that the above picture should be centered around that truly awe inspiring piece of mustache.

Sticking firmly in the feel good, classic style of the riff, they keep you entertained with foot tapping rhythms, infectious grooves and choruses that will be stuck in your head all day long. Combining that with the highly underused asset of a female vocalist you have a very refreshing breed of riffage. It may not be ball swinging but it’ll sure get your head nodding.

Originally from Thunder Bay, Bella Clava now call Toronto their home and can be seen at many local venues. They’ll be opening for Barn Burner on February 17th at the Horseshoe Tavern.

Currently unsigned with one full length album to their name, titled Holy Crow, you can listen to their music below as well as watch their video for “Food for Cannibals”.
- Church of the Riff

Bella Clava - "Holy Crow"
Self-Released
-out now
4 / 5

Paralyzing lyrics, heavy, foot-stomping guitar and blasting melodies make this album one of those rare gems that you can't wait to tell your friends about. Based in Toronto, the classic-rock inspired quartet pounds out high-wire riffs like they'd gone out of style, and here on their debut LP, there's more than enough slash-and-burn going on to make you nauseous from rocking out. It's difficult for us to pick out only a handful of tracks when the album on the whole is incredibly strong, but suffice it to say that if the opener "Ding Dong Ditch" somehow doesn't get you up and started, then you should check your pulse. While the performances here are excellent (especially Caitlin Dacey's driving vocals) the real champion here is the top-notch songcraft, which is dynamic, exploring, and goes into every space it that it should. We regret not catching up on this one for you guys in 'aught-eleven, but here it is: download it, enjoy it, bathe in its sheer, heavy glory. Bella Clava is one band you'll want to keep track of in the coming years. Highly recommended.
- Ravings of a Mad Music Man

Caitlin Dacey and Scott Hannigan of Bella Clava


Now if you were thinking then that anyone following Happy Endings would be anti-climactic, you would be wrong. Suttie, Dacey and Company went out did some Bovine thrashing of their own. As I said, Blurton and Suttie are cut from the same cloth. Suttie is himself a ridiculously talented player and played some scorching slide guitar using a 7/8" socket (or at least that's what it looked like...). One can hear Joe Perry influences in his playing.






Keyboardist Caitlin Dacey, as always, leads the charge with Bella Clava. Soaring is an overused term when describing vocals but with Dacey it applies. Under the soaring vocals she weaves a complex medodic counterpoint on keyboards to Suttie's driving guitar that binds the songs together.





Jody Brumell (The Shanks, Flash Lightnin', Zeppelinesque) filled in on drums and did a masterful job. Bella Clava has embarked on a mini-tour of the US with stops in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky that begins August 22nd in Cincinnati. We're looking forward to seeing them again when they get back home.







Steve Suttie


Dacey modestly thanked Happy Endings during their set, suggesting "We're not worthy" and on that score Dacey could not have been more wrong. The Bella Clavians have earned their spot as one of the city's top hard rock bands, but one could see her point, it certainly was cool to be in the presence of the legendary Jedi Master on Saturday night.



Review and photos/video by Steve Mallinson - T-Mak World

Ainsi, Bella Clava est un groupe francophone implanté à Toronto. Il joue par ailleurs une fois par mois en concert dans la ville. Se revendiquant d’un « rock dense et dangereux », il présentera sur scène son nouvel album Holy Crow, dont il vient de finir l’enregistrement et qui sortira en septembre prochain. Le groupe promet « un spectacle beau, fou et festif » le 16 juin à minuit au bar Rancho Relaxo! - Le Metropolitaine

June 2 2012 – For the 18th straight year, North By Northeast (NXNE) is happening in Toronto from June 11th to the 17th 2012. NXNE is a music festival, conference, and even a film festival all rolled into one. NXNE is the most anticipated summer music event in Canada and aims to bring exposure to Canadian music of all genres and in general to support the Canadian music industry. Over 650 bands and 40 films converge for 7 days in Toronto and put us on the map in terms of large artistic and creative gatherings. Modeled after the fabled South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, we are very pleased that Toronto is hosting NXNE and we are certain that NXNE will grow in both number of attendees and stature in the music industry (much like Toronto’s International Film Festival has). SXSW is plagued by over-commercialization and unless you’re deeply embedded in the industry you can forget about watching the big names. NXNE will also feature large free performances at Yonge-Dundas Square for four nights with the Flaming Lips being the main attraction on June 16.


After we weeded through all the bands bios found here and listened to their music, we were still left with a long list of bands that we were interested in finding out more about. We approached some of our favourite bands to request interviews for our Emerging Artist Spotlight series. Today we set our focus on a band from Thunder Bay named Bella Clava. All bands we talked to are asked similar questions to each other so we can get to know them better. The description on Bella Clava's NXNE bio page reads:

Brace yourself, Bella Clava make one hell of a fuzzed out, blues rock racket with a grungey backbone. Never has a band more appropriately come from Thunder Bay.




Here is what they had to say to us:

Hey Bella Clava, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. Let’s start off with the obligatory introductions. Who’s in the band and what instrument does everyone rock?


Bella Clava: Why hello T-Mak World! Bella Clava is Steve “Slutty” Suttie on guitar, Scott “is the man-again” Hannigan on bass and Caitlin “Dizzy-Daisy” Dacey on keys/organ.



How about the history of the band, when did you get started and how did it happen?


Bella Clava: Steve auditioned for “One Direction” but was rejected. He was pretty bummed out and his self-esteem took a bit of a plunge. Fortunately, he met Scott who had just been fired from Hedley while in line at McDonald’s (they both ordered happy meals to get the batman toy). After drowning their sorrows over fries and classics, they decided to start a band that would be accepting of facial hair and loose trousers (showcasing the gluteal cleft). When Caitlin realized that her solo career as a pop-star was doomed (no dance moves or coordination for that matter), she made a demo of brooding singer songwriter dribble and gave it out at every live show possible. She finally passed it into the hands of Steve and Scott at a Jan Terri concert.….but really, Caitlin and Steve moved from Thunder Bay to Toronto looking to start up a lean, mean, rockin’ machine…and this dream was realized when they found Scott (awwww!)

Who are some of your musical influences?
Bella Clava: We have a lot musical influences, but basically we’re trying to make music that doesn’t sound anything like Theory of a Dead Man, “I’m a wild party” by Kim Mitchell or that “We are Young” song by a hip band called “Fun”. As much as we love music, sometimes it can fill us with a blinding rage. No “fun” or “wild parties” in that case.




We found you as we were searching through the mountain of artists being featured at the 2012 NXNE. Why should a music fan come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them?


Bella Clava: Mountains are great because they are grand and majestic. Some mountains however can be made of garbage. Snow covered dumps. Don’t believe me? Just think of all of the artificial ski hills that were ma - T-Mak world

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Bella Clava – Loud & Heavy Music!


The thriving music scene in Toronto cannot be denied. Bands come from all over Canada to be heard and try to make it. Recently I was introduced to a local Canadian band Bella Clava during Canadian Music Week, and immediately was impressed! I sat down with the band and got to know them a bit better. Front woman Caitlin and guitarist Steve are from the cold north of Thunder Bay and moved down to the big city in pursuit of creating some heavy hitting music. They met their bassist Steve who was already located in Toronto and began to work together. Of course I had to ask them about their name and where is came from. Caitlin told a really funny story of a friend getting fined for looking like he was about to rob a convenience store. Thunder Bay, huh?

After releasing their highly praised debut album, Holy Crow in October 2011, Bella Clava continues to offer a powerful sound best described as raw, sincere dirty rock n’ roll that’s loud and heavy. “We wanna sound good, play well and play loud, let ‘em know we mean business” guitarist Steve added. Defining yourself when you are not in a specific genre, and cross into so many kinds can be difficult, but Bella Clava has certainly found a way to make it all work.

TBKS: What song would you guys say is your favourite to play during shows?

BC: Ding Dong Ditch for sure. It’s a song that covers all the bases, has a great flow and as Cailtin describes it “a real ball grabber”. Its true this song makes you want to rock out. Check it here: http://www.bellaclava.ca/music/

TBKS: You guys have had the opportunity to do some pretty major tours, was there one that has been your favourite so far? Or in general any crazy stories from being on the road?

BC: The tour we did last summer through the USA. We had the opportunity to play with what we would consider to be our counter part band; Banderas in Kentucky. We were lucky enough to be shown a great local diner with the best chili, Skyline Chili. We also played a show at the historic Southgate House (where the infamous Tommy gun was invented) and got drunk on the Tommy gun shot, whiskey & pickle juice. Although we were tired and had been on the road for quiet a while, playing with a rocking band like Banderas it raised the bar and just pushed us to be better.

TBKS: If you guys were able to tour with any band in the history of music (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

Steve: AC/DC or Aerosmith, but from 1976!

Cailtin: I would choose Queens of the Stone Age, listening to them and watching them progress with their music has been amazing, they are the most exciting current band out there.

Scott: I would have to say Iggy Pop and the Stooges.

For their summer plans the band is planning a tour out west in mid July, and playing some hometown shows in Thunder Bay. When not on the road or in the studio they hangout in the city and enjoy the simple things; going to see shows, watching movies, drinking, and of course going out for delicious food. When it came to picking favorite places to eat it came down to Shanghai Cowgirl for the cheeseburgers, Brydens for the nachos and great staff and their new favorite was La Hacienda for delicious Mexican and good music. As well as enjoying the good life, the lads and lady of Bella Clava are also beginning to focus on starting to write again and maybe recording in the fall. With a new album in the future Bella Clava is excited to see what direction this new album will take. Take note, it is pretty clear that these guys are destined for major things.




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CMW 2012 Roundup
I saw a lot of bands last week... I mean A LOT of bands. I partied my ass off and I left a puddle of spilled beer and sweat wherever I went. This went to the point where I got so sick that I bailed on work on Monday, and I'm pretty sure I still have a headache (read: hangover) on Tuesday evening. Yet still, I forge on and try to at last write my CMW 2012 round up. Festivals like CMW and NXNE are always fantastic experiences and while I enjoy seeing the bands that I know and love, part of me always enjoys the unexpected element of festivals, such as mobile breastfeeding units with giant, flashing tits on top:

Did I stutter?

3) Bella Clava (Wednesday, 9:30pm, Horseshoe)
While feeling angry for only learning of Bella Clava this summer, I was even more angry after this was my first live experience. So many chances to rock, completely squandered. Combining so many elements of music that I adore - riffs till the cows come home, southern 70s feel, epic vocal harmonies, powerful organ droning in the background, and a rhythm section to root the madness into reality - the masked ones were a perfect combination for kicking off my CMW experience. Energy to boot and enough rock to fill a quarry (uggghhhh... just awful), Bella Clava was still able to get an early-night crowd at the Horseshoe moving and into the music: not an easy task. Also, I previously nominated Steve Suitte for riff-rock God... I'd like to go ahead and second my nomination.
- Evil Shananigans

It was an unseasonably warm evening in Toronto when Canadian Music Week began this past Wednesday night. Music lovers revelled in the dry streets of the city, walking from location to location, hearing music flow out from the open doors of venues all over town. Queen West boasts some of the best live music locations, and on this night The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern seemed a great place to start.

The back of the Horseshoe was already crowded when Bella Clava began their fairly early set. With their debut album Holy Crow produced by the iconic Ian Blurton (C’mon, Happy Endings), and a steady stream of kick ass live shows under their belts, the buzz around the Thunder Bay natives has been on the rise. Watching them onstage, it’s evident that the praise is well earned. Unapologetically loud, engaging and playful, Bella Clava are an indie rock gem. Influence upon influence weave and blend together to form an unclassifiable and undeniably addictive style. Caitlin Dacey’s radiated energy from behind her keyboard, her fingers dancing across the keys, evoking Doors’ esque organs to bluesy piano. Her sultry vocals ranged from playful to powerful, as she belted out song after song. Steve Suttie transported the crowd back in time, busting out some seriously classic rock influenced guitars, channeling the rock gods of the past on “Food for Cannibals”, as he thrashed and posed like it’s what he was born to do. Guest drummer Corey Caplan and Scott Hannigan provided pounding drums and thudding bass respectively, rounding out Bella Clava’s heavy, soulful rock sound. Too soon their set was over, with long-time fans left wanting more, and newcomers with a new favourite band.



Continue reading on Examiner.com Canadian Music Fest – Day 1 - Toronto Live Music | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/live-music-in-toronto/canadian-music-fest-day-1-review#ixzz1qcKf12ka - The Examiner

The Skinny: Toronto-based bad asses Bella Clava like to remind everyone that Highway 61, otherwise known as The Blues Highway, starts in New Orleans and ends in their home town of Thunder Bay. Just one listen to their debut LP, Holy Crow, recorded by Canadian rock icon, Sir Ian Blurton (Cowboy Junkies, C’Mon, Change of Heart), and you know they’re the real deal when it comes to grinding out gritty blues-based rawk.

They’re rougher and tougher than the Black Keys (or, at least as rough and tough), and they’ve got riffs that hit hard like the Stones and Foghat paying tribute to the Muddy Water’s classic "I Just Wanna Make Love to You." But they’ve also got Caitlin Dacey’s vocals to lend a just-feminine-enough touch to balance out heavy, Zeppelin inspired riffs and make you think of Janice Joplin at her soulful, wailing best.
- Pure Grain Audio

With a song name as adolescent as “Ding Dong Ditch” Bella Clava are bringing the fun back to rawknroll. This song gets my glam desires all roared up and feisty and now I’m ready for their full length Holy Crow, it’s out in the USA on October 4th.
- Indie Rock Reviews

When you first encounter Bella Clava, your first thought is “why did nobody think of that before?” It’s a fantastic name for a band, and judging by the video for Food For Cannibals, a clever gimmick as well.

Ahem. Who are they? Hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Canadian four-piece are fronted by Caitlin Dacey. The dark-shirted dudes offering her flowers in the background of the photo are Steve Suttie (guitars, vocals), Scott Hannigan (bass) and Zack Mykula (drums). Although not necessarily in that order. We like to think that Caitlin wears the trousers in the band and the guys have to make regular peace offerings to her.

Girlie-fronted rock band? Yeah, but we’d be loathe to liken them to any other girlie-fronted rock bands. Their music style varies dramatically from song to song. From the lo-fi punk pounding of Cannibals to Caitlin’s seductive purring on Bug. SnobsMusic’s review of the Holy Crow album even mentions psychedelic and industrial grind sounds being experimented with…in the same song!!! From what we’ve heard online, they’re definitely a band to watch.

What’s the buzz about them? Well, they’re building on the success of their ColdSpell EP. They toured Ireland in 2009 and they’ve rubbed shoulders with veteran Nirvana producer Steve Albini, appearing on an album called The Craic. Their first full-length studio album is Holy Crow and it’s out now.
- Unreality TV

Canadian rockers Bella Clava released their debut LP "Holy Crow" earlier this month. Do you like a fusion of old school rock with punk rock? Here you go. Enjoy a couple songs from them. The first is the video for the song "Food For Cannibals" and the second is "Ding Dong Ditch." Fans of Queens of the Stone Age, check them out. Look for a proper review of their debut LP on here in the near future.


"Food For Cannibals" - Critiqulous

In the world of rock, Bella Clava is a breath of fresh air. Returning to the roots of rock music with a classic, heavy sound, Bella Clava represents the unparalleled energy, charisma and spirit of dirty rock and roll. Hailing from Toronto, they have built a strong local following over the past few years with their explosive live shows which have garnered them both renown and notoriety in the Canadian rock scene. With this well-built and sturdy background, Bella Clava is now poised to infect the US with their unique brand of blues-tinged heavy rock with the release of their album Holy Crow.

Holy Crow, the band’s debut LP, builds upon the success of their two prior EPs, Cold Spell and The Craic. Produced by Canadian rock icon Ian Blurton (The Weakerthans, C’mon, Tricky Woo, Cowboy Junkies), Holy Crow is a swirling, aggressive take on hard rock, drawing comparisons to artists as varied as The Black Keys, Deep Purple and Queens of the Stone Age.

With a classic yet fresh sound, Holy Crow is poised to propel Bella Clava towards the type of recognition this band is oh-so-worthy of.

Bella Clava recently toured the Midwest and Eastern US in anticipation of Holy Crow, hitting such notorious rock stomping grounds as Chicago and Detroit.

“The blistering grunge blasts and consuming vocals invade the room unequivocally, but in flashes…haunting medleys create dark mystic with added pop overlays and tuneful keyboard jolts that are enough to make any body ease with bliss…the Thunder Bay exports have a sound that strings you through a web of brutally honest tales. Witnessing their recent performance at the Central for the Toronto Independent Music Awards showcase, there was no doubting the band’s wow factor and sultry ambition.” —Toronto News 24
- Neu Futur

Bella Clava – The Silver Dollar


There’s nothing quite like a killer package of heavy, epic hard rock. Riding the momentum of their Ian Blurton-produced album “Holy Crow”, Bella Clava’s live arsenal featured a raw, overdriven sound rooted in blend of fist-pumping classic rock and blues mojo, kicking through blistering energy, grinding guitars, keyboard sweeps, soaring vocals, and plenty of attitude. Distilling the essence of arena rock and channeling it through the best fucking party that you’ve ever been to, Bella Clava continues establish themselves as one of the best live bands in the city. Long live rock’n roll.
- Exclaim!

Bella Clava – The Silver Dollar


There’s nothing quite like a killer package of heavy, epic hard rock. Riding the momentum of their Ian Blurton-produced album “Holy Crow”, Bella Clava’s live arsenal featured a raw, overdriven sound rooted in blend of fist-pumping classic rock and blues mojo, kicking through blistering energy, grinding guitars, keyboard sweeps, soaring vocals, and plenty of attitude. Distilling the essence of arena rock and channeling it through the best fucking party that you’ve ever been to, Bella Clava continues establish themselves as one of the best live bands in the city. Long live rock’n roll.
- Exclaim!

The Gig: Bella Clava album release show for Holy Crow
When: 8 October 2011
Where: The Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto
In One Word: Exuberant


It’s an exciting thing to see a band develop and grow, edging one step closer to becoming the finished article. It can be debated about whether or not a group can ever truly become the ‘finished article’; really it’s about growth and decline, rises and falls, dizzy peaks and brick walls. But I digress. The point is that in the fifteen months since I first saw Bella Clava in concert, the band have made tangible progress. Too often bands churn out new songs but end up trending water. This is not the case with Bella Clava. From the teasing, crowd-taunting false starts to their opener “War Brides”, Bella Clava displayed an increased level of confidence and belief that grew bolder even in the fifty minutes or so of their set as this four-piece, with some Thunder Bay origins but now based in Toronto, played an album launch show at the Horseshoe that sent the message: “Hey Toronto, we’ve arrived.” They showcased their new record Holy Crow with aplomb, peaking mid-set with some double-neck Gibson electric guitar swagger & grit contrasting with the chiming organ keys. Then in a moment where I felt my mind wandering, a change of pace was injected, a brief refrain, and then things kicked up again, with Bella Clava wailing to a finish, crossing the line with exuberant excess as Caitlin Dacey raked a guitar across her keyboard.

Bella Clava were wider, bolder and better than the band that had first impressed me last year. With Holy Crow, Bella Clava progress and with this show established themselves as a welcome and notable addition to Toronto’s scene. That alone is achievement; and these crows can definitely spread their wings.
- Music Vice

Bella Clava is a visit back to the good old rock days when bands would jam out, think late 60’s to mid 70’s. Lots of keyboards, jamming guitars, and killer drums thrown into the mix with that late era classic rock vibe. Bass is jamming, Guitar is driving, keys both bar song yet groovy organ, and drums guiding in that toe tapping induced count. Vocals are fantastic and male/female members provide lead on several songs as well as background. Ambience on the album is a rollercoaster ride from a jam track like Fairweather Fiends to the darker sounding Ding Dong Ditch. It’s all good for those fans of rock music that have been patiently waiting for good rock music to return.

There isn’t much else to say about Bella Clava that I haven’t already said. If this helps, during my research on the band, which seemed pretty pointless since the album speaks for itself, they seem to be a bunch of jokers. See their Last.FM band description then check out their FB page. No kidding, they seem like not only do they rock out but they’ve got a great collective sense of humor. Well worth checking out. Be sure to hit up the link to their Myspace page where they have a stream for Ding Dong Ditch and Food For Cannibals from Holy Crow, as well as tunes from their previous work. Enjoy.

- Shakefire

Bella Clava could not have picked a better time to come out with their much anticipated album debut “Holy Crow”. As the leaves start to turn colour, the temperatures start to get cooler and of course Halloween around the corner, Bella Clava is definitely in season with this release which will definitely heat the ice in your veins. With Sir Ian Blurton behind the boards, the quartet that make up Bella Clava will make heads freeze and listen to their original and unique sound. Other bands should definitely watch as Bella Clava are not only spot on but they definitely rock the spot. Which is why FERNTV enjoys the service that they provide to you as we get an interview with Caitlin Dacey who is filled with so much character and above all passion about Bella Clava’s music Not like other bands who just say bleh, bleh, bleh...





FERNTV: Can you tell us a little bit of what your gameplan or your blueprint was before you started recording Holy Crow?





Caitlin: Well, it involved fighting off rats the size of Splinter in our jam space, having our van towed, playing through a snow storm in Thunder Bay and hanging out in cemeteries (as seen in our photos)...then throwing all of these spices into a giant cauldron, salting to taste and drinkin' it up. The only plan was to have no plan.





FERNTV: After receiving praise for your EP, of course the expectations were high for this upcoming album, how did Bella Clava deal with the pressure for recording a debut album?





Caitlin: We saw Zack and Scott playing together with The Inhumanoids (an EP that I listened to until IT got sick of ME!) and they were tight as faaaaaak! When we started jamming together, Steve and I were thrilled to be playing with such a killer rhythm section...and writing songs together was really exciting. Everyone cared about every single part of every song...sometimes too much. We had not experienced this kind of collaboration on the previous EPs, and we welcomed the pressure....no pressure, no Neil Diamonds!!!





FERNTV: Can you tell us when did Bella Clava start recording this album and what the feeling like when your were putting the finishing touches?





Caitlin: We started recording the bed-tracks at the end of March and it was a busy time...most of us play in other bands, and we were scheduling our recording sessions around a lot of activity...including Steve's moustache trimming appointments. We would be up into the wee hours of the morning...over-tired and over-caffeinated....and completely delirious. These were our most adventurous moments, throwing on some mellotron, reverse-autoharp and spaceship sounds. When we'd come in the next day, we were always completely floored by what we were hearing....we couldn't remember recording all of the different layers. Hearing the finished product was very cool. We've never sounded like this, and never will again. Those spellbound moments were unique to Holy Crow.





FERNTV: What did (you) Caitlin learn most about studio time and the whole experience with the other band members of Bella Clava?





Caitlin: -This was the first time we spent any time doing post-production. The last album, "The Craic", was recorded live off the floor at Albini's studio in Chicago. It was finished lickity-split with no time to reflect or ponder whether or not you want to throw on some Moog. We spent many hours together at Bernard Maiezza's Highfield Sound Recordings where I learned some key things about Scott, Zack and Steve. Firstly, all three are risk takers...willing to try anything. In fact, everyone played Moog at some point on this record. Everyone pushed themselves vocally, no one was "too cool" to belt out some falsetto all alone in the basement isolation booth while the rest of the band sat upstairs listening...it was a very supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere. I've recorded on other projects with people who criticized what I was doing, or flat out told me what to do...which completely killed my creativity. Throughout Holy Crow, we encouraged each other's sense of adventure and as a result, we've recorded an album that challenged us yet reflects who we are as a band. Secondly, I discovered that these guys are truly my brothers from different mothers. Like siblings, we bug each other, pull pranks on each other and fight over who controls the stereo....but ultimately, we're bound by blood and manage to get the best out of each other.

FERNTV: Tell us a little bit about what can we expect from this album?





Caitlin: Well, this is definitely not "sheep" music. We did not write these songs and record them so that people think we're cool. In fact, more and more often we find ourselves saying "If that's what cool is....then we don't wanna be cool". We were ecstatic when we met some truly incredible bands while on tour in the US. Mad Anthony and Banderas, two bands from Cincinnati, showed us t - Fern TV

Holy Crow



12/8/2011


The Toronto rock group Bella Clava released their first album, Holy Crow, in October.

For rock and roll fans, this album will be a treat. From the first track, "Conflict and Desire," the listener knows that they have a combination of classic rock, R & B and blues that will doubtlessly leave a positive mark on music history. The hard guitar sounds and the high vocal work of Caitlin Dacey, especially in the track, "Last Trip," make this music easy to enjoy.

One reviewer called the group a hypothetical love child of Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf and Stevie Nicks. I can understand such a comparison, although I think Bella Clava is distinctive enough to avoid confusion with the aforementioned artists.

Two tracks in the album, "Doubt" and "The Less Dead," have organ/piano music, unlike the other tracks.

The tracks are listed as follows:
1. Conflict & Desire
2. Ding Dong Ditch
3. Food for Cannibals
4. I'm Sick
5. Doubt
6. Red River Rain
7. Blue Star Tattoo
8. The Less Dead
9. Last Trip
10. War Brides
11. Fairweather Fiends
12. Loose Screw

Considering that the group already earned praise for their appearances in Canada and the U.S., we can only hope it isn’t long before the group puts out another album.
- Celebrity Cafe

First things first, who exactly are Bella Clava?

Bella Clava are an independent hard rocking, dirty sounding , rock ‘n’ roll band fresh from Thunder Bay, Canada. The group have just released their impressive debut album, Holy Crow, and have been receiving a lot of praise both within Canada and the US for their live performances. Working with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey) on their debut album, you can begin to imagine that your ears are going to be in for a treat and rightly so, this album is bound to please any fan of true old school rock ‘n’ roll.

Opening track ‘Conflict and Desire’ immediately gives you a taste of what the band is about – hard hitting guitars, an amazing melodic organ, the often optimistic sounding vocal stylings of Caitlin Dacey and of course some crunching guitar solos. The track is really a notable way to start the album as it is horribly, horribly catchy and instantly hooks you in from the beginning, making you instantly want to hear more.

The following track, ‘Ding Dong Ditch’, continues in the fashion of the opening track: hard rocking and always fun, making you feel as if you want to stand on a chair and play some air guitar. This isn’t to say that entire album sounds the same though. Tracks like ‘Doubt’ and ‘The Less Dead’ show off the group’s musical talent with deeply haunting organ/piano combined with a steady bass line, and some contrasting guitar rhythms shows that the group are well rehearsed in their art and, without a doubt, worthy of the praise that they have been receiving.

It is hard to give an exact comparison for the group as their sound is quite varied; it is obvious they have influences from early 60s/70s such as The Doors and Steppenwolf however the vocals often scream of Stevie Nicks/PJ Harvey. Perhaps if Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf and Stevie Nicks got together and had a love child it might just sound like Bella Clava.

Holy Crow is a very impressive debut album which delivers a truly beautiful rock ‘n’ roll sound not often heard in modern music. It is an album that will grip you from start to finish, with catchy tunes, hard hitting guitars, and numerous guitar solos it is everything that a rock album should be and more, so turn your stereo up to 11 and enjoy Bella Clava’s Holy Crow. If you like your rock ‘n’ roll, this album will not disappoint.
- Lip Magazine

Toronto rock and rollers Bella Clava are set to release their debut album and let’s just say, after listening to it, you are in for something very special here folks. The one and only Ian Blurton produced the new LP.

With that said, the band has made a song off the upcoming release available for your listening pleasure. Check out Ding Dong Ditch below and be prepared for a rock and roll assault on your ears. You can even download the track for free!

The release party goes down on October 8th at The Horseshoe Tavern with The Cheap Speakers, The Ruby Spirit and Mad Anthony. It’s obvious this is going to be one hell of a show!

For more on Bella Clava, visit them over on Facebook.
- The Indie Machine

Bella Clava celebrated the release of their debut full-length, Holy Crow. The Toronto-based 4-piece is comprised of Caitlin Dacey (vocals, keys, guitar), Steve Suttie (guitar, vocals), Scott Hannigan (bass) and Zack Mykula (drums). Although the band has grown into a harder rock sound overall, it’s tempered with melodic piano work and powerful female vocals, making it hard to pinpoint a genre.

The show was on Thanksgiving weekend, which may have affected the turnout, but the crowd gathered up front to rock with the band. Dacey may be the obvious gem of the band, but all 4 members put their talents to work and it’s clear while watching the band on stage. Mykula’s skilful drum work fuels their sound, really impressive but remaining in the background. While Suttie boasts an impressive mustache and a rock star stage presence, especially when he brought out the double-necked guitar, the band actually comes across as genuine, with Dacey continuously thanking the crowd.

Be sure to check out (and rock out with) Bella Clava when you get the chance.
- Buying Shots for Bands

Bella Clava celebrated the release of their debut full-length, Holy Crow. The Toronto-based 4-piece is comprised of Caitlin Dacey (vocals, keys, guitar), Steve Suttie (guitar, vocals), Scott Hannigan (bass) and Zack Mykula (drums). Although the band has grown into a harder rock sound overall, it’s tempered with melodic piano work and powerful female vocals, making it hard to pinpoint a genre.

The show was on Thanksgiving weekend, which may have affected the turnout, but the crowd gathered up front to rock with the band. Dacey may be the obvious gem of the band, but all 4 members put their talents to work and it’s clear while watching the band on stage. Mykula’s skilful drum work fuels their sound, really impressive but remaining in the background. While Suttie boasts an impressive mustache and a rock star stage presence, especially when he brought out the double-necked guitar, the band actually comes across as genuine, with Dacey continuously thanking the crowd.

Be sure to check out (and rock out with) Bella Clava when you get the chance.
- Buying Shots for Bands

To be completely plain and simple about my feelings for this album, I give you three words: Bella Clava rocks.

The fairly new band is set to release their debut album on October 8th but sound as though they’ve been doing this all their lives. It’s a very raw and in-your-face sound that will be sure to appeal to rock and roll fans in general.

The album both starts and ends with the two instruments that are mostly widely featured over the course of Holy Crow‘s 12 songs- the electric guitar and keyboards. The two together give a lot of the songs a classic-rock feel but lead singer Caitlin Dacey’s vocals make the sound completely their own.

Thankfully, Bella Clava doesn’t tone themselves down. On most rock and roll albums a band usually tries to go for at least one slow ballad with mixed results. Instead, Bella Clava plays song after blistering song, sometimes with almost godly guitar solos, like in the song “Doubt” (my eyes actually popped open at how awesome the guitar is in that song).

“Conflict & Desire” is another song reminiscent of classic rock, particularly the keys that work so well with the electric guitar. Just a few songs down, however, is “Food For Cannibals” which is an outrageously powerful and aggressive song.

The band also flirts with some other rock sub-genres, such as “Blue Star Tattoo” which ventures into the realm of the psychedelic, while “Red River Rain” features 80's-style synths for interesting effect.

Bella Clava will remain in your face for the album’s entirety and not one song on the album comes anywhere close to middle-of-the-road. A fantastic debut full-length from a band loaded with promise.

At their Bandcamp page you can immediately download “Ding Dong Ditch” for free. Holy Crow will be released October 8th. Their CD release party is on the same day at the Horseshoe Tavern.

Check out what our friend the T.O. Music Snob had to say about the album as well.

Top Tracks: “I’m Sick”; “Red River Rain”; “Last Trip”

Rating: Proud Hoot (Really Good)
- Grayowl Point Blog

You would be hard-pressed to find a band on the Toronto scene that has worked, and rocked, as hard as Bella Clava. After a killer EP, the transplanted Thunder Bay-natives are now poised to release their debut full length album Holy Crow (produced by Toronto indie original Ian Blurton).

It's hard to believe, but with Holy Crow Bella Clava have actually turned the volume up from their raucous live shows. The rhythm section on "Ding Dong Ditch" rumbles like never before, while songs like "Food for Cannibals" and "The Less Dead" are blistering and so in-your-face they it's like the band are daring fans to love it.

The keyboard sounds on the album are far more diverse than what Bella Clava has given us to date. Beginning with the hard-driving "Conflict & Desire", the spectrum swings from the expected bluesy notes, to full on synth sounds, to piano tinkling, to brain-twisting psychedelia.

Building on the psychedelia is "Doubt". The song has numerous twists and turns that see to morph from a 60's inspired acid trip all the way into a near-Industrial grind conclusion. It's a bold artistic move that makes for an outstanding ride.

As always, Caitlin Dacey's vocals equally charm and frighten the listener, a unique ability indeed. Her best performance here is on the confident, unyielding "Last Trip". Surprisingly though, it's a track she doesn't do lead on, "Red River Rain", that's the most infectious cut on the album.

With Holy Crow Bella Clava have managed a rare feat, they have taken a successful live sound, expanded it, revved it up, and created something even more intense for music fans to rally around.

Bella Clava play a CD release show at the Horseshoe in Toronto on October 8th.


Best tracks: "Doubt", "Red River Rain"

Track listing for Holy Crow:
Conflict & Desire
Ding Dong Ditch
Foods For Cannibals
I'm Sick
Doubt
Red River Rain
Blue Star Tattoo
The Less Dead
Last Trip
War Brides
Loose Screw
Fairweather Friends

8.5/10 - TO Snob's Blog

Bella Clava @ NXNE
Many bands try their damnedest to capture the essence of a sound from another era, while wrapping it up in a bright and shiny modern wrapping paper.

The majority of these bands will not gain much credibility. Even if they do acquire some instant indie success via the bandwagon kids, their staying power is fairly marginal. The reason for this is rather simple: it's a facade. You can't just decide to be a band with a retro sound because a particular throwback style is all the rage. You have to actually be retro at heart and in love with, if not raised on, the genre you're attempting to emulate.

This is why Toronto's own Bella Clava are garnering such buzz and exposure- they sweat out a blend of female-fronted, blues infused, psychedelic tinged classic rock (with a modern twist, mind you) that could only be perfected by those with a true passion and knowledge for that musical style.

Get yourself into impossible fantasy mode and imagine that Led Zeppelin and Queens of the Stone Age (who are both enthusiastically loved by our subjects) are out for a rip-roaring night on the town, and pick up Shirley Manson at her snarliest and Grace Slick at her peak. The result could very well be Bella Clava.

Lead vocalist/keyboardist Caitlin Dacey and guitarist/vocalist Steve Suttie are Thunder Bay imports, having played together as a duo before making the crucial move to Toronto in 2006. Since then, they've built Bella Clava into a full-blown unit, adding local boys Zack Mykula (drums) and Scott Hannigan (bass). Their 2010 EP Craig: An Ephemeral record was produced by none other than Steve Albini (of Nirvana, Pixies and Cheap Trick fame), and their first LP, Holy Crow, is set for a September self- release, crediting legendary Canadian songwriter/producer Ian Blurton (Change of Heart, C'mon) with production.

Minutes before they hit the stage at Rancho Relaxo for their North by Northeast performance, the band stands in a semi-circle around me, talking excitedly about their endeavours. “This is our third time playing North by Northeast,” says Dacey, brushing a strand of chocolate-coloured, elbow length hair behind her ear. “It's more exciting this time. Most of our set is new stuff, so we're really excited about that. I think people are liking the direction we're taking,” she continues. A big part of that direction includes fan appreciation. “Through being nice to people, you can make some amazing connections, and that's something you'll be forced to pick up at North by Northeast,” adds Mykula. Dacey chimes in; “Everyone who comes to our shows ends up being our friends.”

And they're playing for the right reasons. “We like playing music because we like playing music. We all just love doing it. We're not making money; it's not been about that at any point. It's just fun, you know?” says Hannigan. Suttie injects a bit of blunt truth: “Also, we put on a pretty good live show”.

Which is why Bella Clava is here tonight, and it's why they have to cut our brief interview short. They're whisked up the stairs to the stage, where they assault the willing crowd with a tight, loud set. Black leather, hippie beards, cascading organs and monstrous guitars, topped off with vocals that are equal parts beautiful and guttural -- this is Bella Clava. Beats that will make your neck ache in the morning, bass that you feel in your toes, and the feeling that you're in a time warp yet somehow still very much in the present -- this is also Bella Clava. As a writer, my job is to describe the scene, to paint pictures with words, to create an audible impression with nothing but letters and syllables. But when it comes to a band like this, I can only go so far without wanting to scream: "Just see them, already!"

Because Steve Suttie was absolutely right, though he put it a little mildly; Bella Clava doesn't just put on a pretty good show. Bella Clava puts on an epic show.

- Canadian Musician Magazine

http://www.snobsmusic.net/2010/02/cmw-preview-bella-clava-interview-mp3.html
TO Snob's Blog Interview:

CMW Preview: Bella Clava (interview, MP3)
Originally hailing from Thunder Bay, ON, Bella Clava have rocked the Toronto scene hard over the last year. The band brings adds keyboards to a Black Keys-style garge/blues rock sound.

Graciously, they've given us a preview of their forthcoming EP, The Craic: An Ephemeral Record, which was recorded at Steve Albini's (Nirvana's In Utero) studio in Chicago. Check out "I Forgot My Mantra".

I had a chance to ask the band a few questions about music and CMW. Here's what they had to say:

T.O. Snob: First off, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us.
Caitlin & Steve--We are thrilled to chat with fellow music snobs, especially ones with such great taste!
T.O. Snob: You’re playing the Horseshoe in Toronto on March 10th as part of Canadian Music Week. I’ve seen you play and you definitely rock, but for people who aren’t familiar with Bella Clava, how would you describe your sound?
Caitlin--Thanks for making us blush. We like to think that our tunes are catchier than the swine flu…a hard rock that even squares can roll to.
Steve—We like to be loud and sound good at the same time. It’s hard to pull off. But, when people start dancing like it’s nobody’s business, we know we’re on the right track.
T.O. Snob: What inspires a Bella Clava song?
Caitlin--We listen to a lot of music and go to see more bands than we can afford. Because music is and always has been the centre of our lives, we are extremely motivated to write a truly great song that even compares to the music that we love and respect.
Steve—We could be in a certain mood – namely a bad mood. That usually fuels a lot of ideas, as it does with a lot of musicians. Or, songs can come from a jam just as easy.
T.O. Snob: The band is originally from Thunder Bay. How has the transition to Toronto helped or hurt the music?
Caitlin--Our experience with Toronto has definitely made us more “seasoned” players with sharper tongues and softer lips. Coming from a small, tightly knit community of musicians, we took for granted how difficult it would be to meet people who we relate to. We’ve been bitten by the sometimes hyper-competitive-every-band--for-itself nature of such a big city and then kissed by its anything-is-possible romance. Like most bands trying to get their start in Toronto, we’ve been robbed, ripped-off and lied to by promoters, but also given incredible opportunities by those who believe in what we’re doing. We’ve played with a few different drummers/bass players and learned the lesson that great bands can’t have flakes. We miss the bush party gigs and organic after-hours jams that Thunder Bay is spacious enough to foster, but only in Toronto could I have met my favourite band at a bar and have the opportunity to ask the questions the music magazines never covered (Queens of the Stone Age).
Steve—Moving to Toronto has hurt me, since I used to be able to go in my basement and jam for hours on end until I passed out. Now, I ride the bus for forty-five minutes to turn my amp on for a couple of hours. Obviously, the Toronto scene is a little bit more hustle and bustle than Thunder Bay, but as Bon Scott would say: “It’s a long way to the top, if you wanna rock and roll”.


T.O. Snob: Nice work getting the AC/DC in there. What came first: the band name or the balaclava gimmick?
Caitlin--Where we are from, protective outdoor apparel is not a gimmick, but a necessity. The cold northern wind will rip your face off, and then show it to you. Putting the winter-mask on the mannequin was done in good fun, but it’s always amusing to see the different reactions to it…we often get the “I don’t even wanna ask!!” comment which for some reason makes me feel like a pervert. But it’s not like that…whatever that is.
T.O. Snob: What does a festival like CMW mean to up-and-coming bands? What do you hope to get out of the experience?
Caitlin--CMW is a great opportunity to play for people who are interested in checking out new bands. Festivals are great for people cruising venue-to-venue looking for a good time, you never know who will be there. Last year, Dave Foley saw us play at The ROK Boutique and dug it, which was a huge thrill for me. We were very flattered to be selected among 500 bands to be reviewed by Digital Journal last year in their “Festival Wrap-Up”. Playing the Horseshoe this year to launch CMW is extremely exciting…we love the Horseshoe and it’s an honour to play there during the festival…the true music nuts will be there (especially for our set, haha!)
Steve—I think being in the frame of mind of thinking it’s our first time playing CMW will work in our favor. It’s always good to play a gig like it’s your last. And, you never know who will be at the show that night. Also, just having fun and not trying too hard is key. People know when your flakes (as Caitlin would say) a - TO Snob's Blog

http://www.ferntv.ca/FERN_TV/Bella_Clava.html

If there is a band that FERNTTV can put their hard on money on to blow people away with their music, it would be none other than Bella Clava. Of course there are rock bands and then there are bands whorock bands and then there are bands who rock and Bella Clava fits the latter bill. Bella Clava brings the thunder to Toronto during CMW in which the city has been hungry for for quite a long time. No need to explain what they sound like because the formula is pretty simple. Bella Clava rocks hard. What it takes years for bands to accomplish with their sound, Bella Clava has done it with ease from the start. FERNTV cannot stress any more of how this band is the one that everyone should keep their eye on. But please don’t let their bella clavas fool you. It’s not the bella clavas that makes the music, it’s the music that make the bella clavas! FERNTV caught up with lead singer Caitlyn Dacey to figure out why FERNTV has been caught under their spell?!!?





FERNTV: You have to tell us here at FERNTV how the band got together?





Caitlyn: Feeling rebellious, Steve, Luke and I got together one night with the plans of robbing a convenience store...but then decided that starting a band would be more dangerous. The name "Bella Clava" seemed most appropriate. We came down to Toronto because we heard that the CN tower had started changing colours...it's been two years and we still find it mesmerizing!





FERNTV: Are some of your listeners surprised that your sound is coming from north of the border?





Caitlyn: The North generates good music like the South generates heat...but without the rash and sweatiness. People are surprised by this, but Highway 61 (The Blues Highway) starts in New Orleans and ends in Thunder Bay, our home town. Small towns make big sounds.





FERNTV: Where you happy about the feedback you received from your first EP “Coldspell”.





Caitlyn: We are very happy with the response we have received from ColdSpell. Putting your music out there is like telling someone you have a crush on them...and then waiting anxiously for their reaction. It's thrilling when your crush likes you back, which fortunately has been the case for us. The kind of people we dig, dig us back. We were so motivated by the encouraging reviews and positive feedback that we mustered up the nerve to record our follow-up EP with the great Steve Albini. He doesn't suck, and these recordings certainly don't either. We are now anxiously awaiting the release of the new beast this spring. It's called "The Craic: An Ephemeral Record".













FERNTV: Obviously there are not a lot of bands who are fortunate enough to have a sound like Bella Clava, but what are some of the things that you feel you need to work on in the future?





Caitlyn: Aww, well that's very sweet of you to say. Working on music is work that doesn't feel like work. We are itchin’ to get out on tour where we can focus on playing and performing. We toured Ireland last summer and playing night after night catalyzed our musicianship. Meeting incredible musicians and having the privilege of jamming with them definitely made us stronger players. We look forward to taking full advantage of every future opportunity to play with people we respect, in the meantime we work at being ready for any lucky break.





FERNTV: How does it feel to be part of CMW this year?





Caitlyn: Playing the Horseshoe's CMW launch party is an honour and quite frankly, a responsibility that we don't take lightly. I hate to quote Kim Mitchell, but it is our rock'n roll duty to play a ferocious set for the wildest crowd at the best venue in town. Everyone that counts will be at the Horseshoe on March 10th.





FERNTV: So Caitlyn, if there was a sing off battle between you and Allison Mosshart of the Dead Weather, who would win?





Caitlyn: Hmmmm, as far as I can stretch my imagination....I can't quite seem to envision a singing battle with Allison Mosshart. Music is not a competition (though washed up industry types tell each other it is) especially not where the ladies are concerned cause we stick together. If we met, we'd probably give each other a high five and then I'd beat her at foosball.





www.bellaclava.ca


- FERTNTV

Bella Clava - Cold Spell

When I saw Bella Clava play the Horseshoe a few months ago, I found it hard not to be seduced by their driving sound. A bluesy classic rock sound that truly sounds 'classic' in the fullest sense of the word, is not as easy a sound to master as one would think. Oftentimes it comes across as sounding like just another bar band, or it becomes a rip off of the type of 80's brand of hard rock can-con that people really shouldn't be ripping off. Bella Clava make it very clear right from the opening riff of Didn't Come Here To Love You that their brand of 'classic' boasts an authenticity that is ripe in all of its fearless passion. The six songs on this EP whip by pretty fast in a way that is as exhausting as it is exhilarating. Caitlin Dacey's voice shifts back and forth between an artsy garage quality like Alison Mosshart, and a polished rocker chick vibe, like Pat Benatar. When coupled with the thunderously large riffs of the rhythm section, the songs encapsulate all that is raw and dirty about straight forward rock music. Amongst the standout tracks is Disgusting, which boasts a chorus that is simple yet spit out with such a clarity that it can't help but be infectious and impossible to ignore. In the same vein is Blu Blockers, which contains the vocalist's admission that 'drugs just make me like you better'. The way that they use such lines in a repetitive way to fill out their chorus's, is a trick used by many a punk band in the past, which is what enables the tunes to remain stuck in your head after you hear them. Square Dance is another standout as it contains a brief yet guttural guitar solo at the 2:26 mark that may be over a bit faster than I would've liked, but presents an opportunity for some face melting improvisation when they perform it live that would likely make the song a real highlight on stage. While the EP as a whole does not stray much from a consistent formula, at 26 minutes the length feels just about right for what the band currently has to offer. As they progress to a full length, apparently with the help of Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies, PJ Harvey), it'll be interesting to hear if the band can experiment with some new ideas and still keep their intoxicating audaciousness in tact.


http://itsnotthebandihateitstheirfans.blogspot.com/2009/08/do-you-hear-voice-like-velvet-through.html - It's nothe band I hate...

"From a band that wears bella clavas to a band called Bella Clava, these guys ended the night with their celebratory brand of classic rock. In the spirit of the day, their stage held not only the three mask sporting band members, but also a female mannequin in similar diggs and a mask weilding bunny piñata hanging just in front of the stage. The band performed some straight forward rock 'n roll that also contains traces of jazz and blues infected rhythms. Caitlin Cady's voice has a slightly schmoozy quality to it that is very captivating while the guitarist Steve Suttie was just one amazing solo after another. The drummer Luis Figueroa of course kept everything tight and driving ahead at a frantic pace as the band played a set that certainly kept the attention of all in the audience. I didn't end up staying for the full set, but I did stick around long enough to see several enthusiastic crowd members beat the heck out of that poor hanging bunny while the band provided a rabid soundtrack to the excitement."

http://itsnotthebandihateitstheirfans.blogspot.com/2009/05/balconies-tin-star-orphans-boxes-and.html
ColdSpell is gettin' reviewed!
Current mood: breezy
Category: Quiz/Survey
Read'em up!

From "It's not the band I hate..."
http://itsnotthebandihateitstheirfans.blogspot.com/2009/08/do-you-hear-voice-like-velvet-through.html

- It's not the band I hate...

"Le deuxième groupe s’appelle Bella Clava, et c’est là notre coup de cœur de la soirée. Ils sont canadiens, et là encore on a un groupe mené par une chanteuse, cette fois-ci derrière de gros synthés qui envoient du bois. Le bassiste hyper massif évoque un bucheron canadien. On l’entend à peine tellement le son est fort dans cette salle. Le guitariste, chapeau de cowboy et grande moustache fait des trucs over cools lui aussi, et des solos sympas avec son bottle-neck. Il a une certaine présence, c’est certain. Une guitare puissante et un clavier puissant, avec une voix sympa et des chœurs biens placés."

http://branchetonsonotone.com/2009/07/14/indie-week-roisin-dubh-galway-irlande-207/ - branchetonsonotone.com

"Le deuxième groupe s’appelle Bella Clava, et c’est là notre coup de cœur de la soirée. Ils sont canadiens, et là encore on a un groupe mené par une chanteuse, cette fois-ci derrière de gros synthés qui envoient du bois. Le bassiste hyper massif évoque un bucheron canadien. On l’entend à peine tellement le son est fort dans cette salle. Le guitariste, chapeau de cowboy et grande moustache fait des trucs over cools lui aussi, et des solos sympas avec son bottle-neck. Il a une certaine présence, c’est certain. Une guitare puissante et un clavier puissant, avec une voix sympa et des chœurs biens placés."

http://branchetonsonotone.com/2009/07/14/indie-week-roisin-dubh-galway-irlande-207/ - branchetonsonotone.com

ColdSpell makes "Best EPs of 2009" and track "Didn't Come Here To Love You" makes "Best Songs of 2009":

Best of 2009: EPs
EPs are a very under-appreciated format. I'm not talking about those "EPs" that consist of a single from the album and 4 remixed or live versions of the same song. I'm talking about the true short album of 5-7 tracks in length.

They play many vital roles. Often they serve to introduce a band to the public. Sometimes they are a stop gap between albums. Sometimes they are used to end a chapter in a band's career or to clear the shelves of recorded material. Sometimes they are just for fun (eg covers EPs, holiday collections).

2009 was a bumper crop for EPs, and here's a look at our top 20 that came out this year:

Cold Spell- Bella Clava (review)


http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/12/best-of-2009-eps.html

http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/12/best-of-2009-best-songs.html - TO Snob's Blog

http://tigerbeatsocialites.vox.com/library/post/cd-review-bella-clava-cold-spell.html

It’s no secret (to my friends, family, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses that no longer come to my door) that I like to clean my apartment in the nude. The combination of my bare ass and Mr. Clean fumes really starts my engine, you know? And as it turns out, the Bella Clava EP – Cold Spell – has become the soundtrack to my nude dusting and vacuuming. I would hope that the band would consider this a complement, given that I’ve always reminded myself of Gisele Bündchen {snort}.

I saw Bella Clava live for the first time last Friday at The Horseshoe tavern, and their set truly lived up to the quality of the EP. Also, I would totally make out with sultry singer Caitlin Dacey (Yeah, I do that now. There was this chick in Chicago and we met in line for the bathroom and she liked my dress and….yeah…that’s all it took…but I digress). Caitlin’s fucking hot.



Bella Clava is:

Caitlin Dacey: vocals, piano, organ, bass
Steve Suttie: vocals, guitar, drums, bass
Luis Figueroa: drums



So here’s my take on the EP. Buckle up.



Track #1 - Didn't Come Here to Love You

Sounds like: Black skinny jeans and red lipstick. And a similar vibe to The Kills. Sexy, slinky, seductive fun. My dim memories of high school would indicate that I just used alliteration. Ugh, now I’m exhausted. I want a nap and some pancakes.

Rating: 3.5/5



Track #2 - Disgusting

Sounds like: When I was in high school I was obsessed with a movie called Mad Love, starring Drew Barrymore and Chris O’Donnell (yeah, remember him?). It was a boy meets girl, girl has may-jah mental problems, boy runs away with girl to Mexico, boy wakes up to find girl gluing creepy pictures of eyes all over their rented Mexi-hovel, girl goes to psychiatric ward type of thing. You know, the usual. Anyhoo, Mad Love had a killer soundtrack including 7 Year Bitch and Elastica. ‘Disgusting’ would’ve fit like a glove in this soundtrack.

Rating: 4/5



Track #3 – Blu Blockers

Sounds like: A little 7 Year Bitch and a couple of shots of tequila. Moody and addictive. My fave. The next time I mud wrestle for subway tokens, this will be my song. Also, I’ve been taking pole dancing classes again and I may do a routine to this. Don’t freak out.

Rating: 5/5



Track #4- Wine Dine ‘N Dash

Sounds like: Down and dirty fun. On repeat on my iPod for days. My new pre-party anthem. Every day I steal a piece of individually wrapped Cracker Barrel cheddar cheese from the cafeteria in my building. It used to embarrass my co-worker but now she does it too. It makes me feel alive. I don’t know why. I like to cheese ‘n dash.

Rating: 5/5



Track #5- Square Dance

Sounds like: The perfect pre-drinking sing-along song for a booze-infused night out that will no doubt end up being described as a total ‘shit show’. Probability of the night ending with a missing show and a mug shot = high.

Rating: 5/5



Track #6 - Bug

Sounds like: Meh. Love the lyrics, but something falls flat for me on this one. That said, do the music supervisors at True Blood know about this song? I think it would work. Someone make it happen. And fetch me a latte.

Rating: 3/5





This buzz-worthy band is just getting started. Trust. Go see them now before they become too famous and important to talk to you after a set.





Upcoming shows”

August 17 – 9 pm – The Drake Underground



Check ‘em out on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bellaclavaband



XOXO

Blair



- Tiger Beat Socialites

Irish press: http://www.siiye.co.uk/E3/PAGE_167.html

And some from Toronto Music Scene: http://www.torontomusicscene.ca/live-show-reviews/show-review-indie-week-launch-at-the-hideout.html

"Bella Clava, a dark, dirty, bluesy group that is starting to make a name for themselves around town. These female-fronted rapscallions earned their buzz with a soulful and exciting performance that grabbed the attention of everyone in the joint. Pulsing, driving rhythms clobbered everyone in the vicinity, while psychedelic organ ditties and ravenous guitar solos picked us up and kept us listening. All this painted over with the eerily soothing melodies of vocalist Caitlin Dacey. Bella Clava’s set was definitely in the running for the best of the evening. Plus, the band had a creepy mannequin on stage sporting a balaclava that some guy in the crowd kept kissing, which needless to say added to the overall enjoyment of the performance. Go see Bella Clava the next time you get a chance, because their latest EP, Cold Spell, lacks the raw energy of their live show to do them justice. "

As well as our indie week interview: http://blog.indieweek.com/2009/10/02/bella-clava-10-questions/
- Toronto Music Scene and Caught In The Act

Read what Tim the Impaler had to say about ColdSpell:

"Who among us hasn’t thought (or blogged)—at least once—that what this world could use more than anything right now is a dose of hysteria-inducing, modern indie-meets-garage rock from the mean-yet-pristine streets of Thunder Bay, Ontario? Rejoice, brothers and sisters of the New World Order: Bella Clava have arrived to fill that very void! An easy-way-out approach to describing the band’s sound might involve references to Boston’s garage heroes (and certified friends of Little Steven) The Charms and to Los Angeles’ insatiably adorable Monsters Are Waiting, coupled with a zany comment like ‘a jacked-up-on-something-that-‘Simpsons’-quack-Dr.-Nick-might-prescribe-for-an-innocuous-head-cold reinvention of The New Pornographers, but better…’. Another might be to use an understated, speak-to-the-musicians approach that lavishes praise upon the amazing interplay of fuzzed-out riffs, stoned-to-the-bone 70s organ fills, indie-rock keyboard washes, Gonzo-meets-‘Philthy’-Phil-Taylor drum battery, and Caitlin Dacey’s otherworldly vocals—which distort all lines of reason, veering between cute and vicious, ethereal and raw, and approachability and insanity, within the limits of every 4-to-5-minute, genre-bending song on this disc. Still another might see me reverting, perhaps, to a faux-intellectual mini-dissertation on the production values employed herein, which invoke memories of both the warm, organic albums crafted by legends like Eddie Kramer in the late 60s/early 70s and the massive, swirling-with-effects recordings brought to life by alt-rock heroes like Butch Vig and Steve Albini in the late 90s/early 00s—which, in turn, would provide an easy segue into mentioning that Bella Clava are due to enter Mr. Albini’s studio to record their follow-up to ‘ColdSpell’ sometime soon. Failing all of that, I suppose I could pull a humorous-yet-oddly-accurate quote from the band’s website, like ‘Warning: we will cause Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)’ and offer up a nifty comedic quip about said quote, in which I concur with the sentiment and back that up with an embarrassing story about being surprised by the maintenance guy at my apartment complex, who wandered in to fix a leaky faucet and found me furiously air-drumming along to ‘Bug,’ unable to hear his knock or subsequent presence due to the thrall-inducing combination of Bella Clava, Behringer headphones, and a reckless disregard for the longevity of my own eardrums, as evidenced by the nausea-inducing volume that I was, at the time, employing for this particular listening session. In fact, it wouldn’t be difficult to fall back on any number of easy ways in which to describe the beauty and magic of Bella Clava, desperate as I am to avoid revealing the simple, terrifying truth—that I have fallen in love with this record—because, quite frankly, I’ve got some intimacy issues that I need to work out. I think I’ll start by listening to ‘ColdSpell’ a few more times…. The Impaler"

http://www.massmovement.co.uk/wordpress/?p=1727 - Mass Movement Magazine

http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/04/bella-clava-live-mod-club.html

"Hot off a successful run at Canadian Music Week, Thunder Bay quartet Bella Clava were back at The Mod Club in Toronto last night to rock out a set.


At first glance Bella Clava seem like an odd collection. A bassist that looks like he walked off the set of a Blind Melon video thumps away beneath the blues-driven riffs of guitarist Steve Suttie. Set side stage is singer/keyboardist Caitlin Dacey.


Dacey's vocals, while not immediately striking, weave in and out of the tracks in what ultimately becomes a rivetingly charming interplay. The keys provide the texture for a full-bodied, well rounded musical party.


Imagine The Black Keys, with a female lead, playing music at a strip club and you begin to get a sense of the sonic collage that Bella Clava assembles.


The connection between the audience and the band was strong on this night. Both sides seemed to be having fun and letting loose. And really that's what you want on a Saturday night.


You can catch Bella Clava again on May 5th at the Horseshoe."

Written by Peter Kearns - T.O. Snobs Music

http://lonelyvagabond.com/wpmu/2009/08/20/bella-clava-the-drake/

Offering a snapshot of energy-fueled classic rock soaked with elements of jazz and blues, loaded with hooks and harmonies that shows a band at it’s zenith. Caitlin’s commanding vocals and colourful keyboard playing demonstrates she can rock out with the best of them, accompanied by seasoned players with technical chops to irresistible effect. Cruising through raw intensity and an epic quality, Bella Clava consistently delivers an exhilarating live show.

http://lonelyvagabond.com/wpmu/2009/04/06/bella-clava-the-mod-club/

Bella Clava - The Mod Club
An invigorating classic-rock spirit, hard-driving , brash rhythms, capped-off by animated keyboard playing. Caitlin’s vocals, stylistically akin to a more song-and-dance Stevie Nicks, soar above an anthemic 70’s inspired romp, complete with combustible energy and sweeping guitar solos. In a venue with an elaborate lighting system, this foursome were looking to impress the crowd, and may have succeeded. Killer hook-laden rock and roll, straight up.
- Exclaim Magazine

Taken from Digital Journal website, review written by Lenny Stoute:

"Next, the Rox Botique morphed into a most decadent art bar for minimalist trio Bella Clava. The array of bustiers now peppered with balaclava-wearing fans, mirroring the mannequin onstage in red dress and balaclava. This Thunder Bay act has one speed, full forward with chugging guitar, manic keyboards, relentless drumming and the frantic vocals of Caitlin Cady. While this crew had no trouble maintaining the energy level and have worthy tunes like "Didn't Come Here To Love You " and "Eve Drop" a touch of variety in the song structure wouldn't have been a bad thing ether."


http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/269295 - Digital Journal

Bella Clava's claim that U.S. Highway 61, the blues highway, "starts in New Orleans and ends in Thunder Bay (Ontario)", may be stretching the truth somewhat, but only just. The highway technically ends a few hundred kilometres south around Wyoming, Minnesota, but the northern Ontario four-piece seems to have soaked up some of that southern influence, belting out a blues-rock stew that seems closer to the muddy Mississippi than to the icy shores of Lake Superior. For their second EP, the six-song The Craic: An Ephemeral Record, the band summoned the help of Steve Albini, with the result a ballsy mix of classic seventies boogie ('Live'), murky swamp rock ('Surf's Down') and straight-up heavy rock ('I Forgot My Mantra'). Caitlin Dacey's lusty pipes - and on the excellent 'So Simple', her cool organ licks - seem to hold the whole show together. With the band now Toronto-based, it shouldn't take long for the industry types to come knocking.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/bellaclavaband/blog#ixzz13PtCXACJ
- Canuckistan Music

"Bella Clava is an independant Hard Rock band from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The band are currently residing and playing all over Toronto. Bella Clava is Caitlin Dacey (Keys, Organ, Guitar, Vocals) Steve Suttie (Guitar, Vocals) Scott Hannigan (Bass) and Zack Mykula (Drums)".

Undoubtedly influenced from the days when Rock was wonderfully grubby and was blasted out in waves of fuzzy strawberry-scented analogue, Bella Clava suggest rootsy Rock should be played loud, very loud indeed. Man made guitar riffs and subtle keys are more than a match for over-used obsessive technology. The switching of vocal duties give this EP a multi-dimensional appeal, Caitlin`s calm and measured approach only accelerates Steve Suttie`s credible psych-Rock craziness - I get the feeling these guys could jam for days, only occasionally risking daylight for heavy duty guitar picks and soul food. Their natural demeanour and colourful Rock-Blues fusion promotes an enamoured no-nonsense approach, a growing trend the Ontario music scene seems to have easily mastered. I`ll try and get a buying link posted for `The Craic, An Ephemeral Record` later this week - The first release `Coldspell` can be purchased Here.

HIGHLIGHTS:
*Played NXNE 2010 and Canadian Music Week 2009 and 2010.
*Successful tour of Ireland (July 2009), playing Cork, Galway, Dublin and Limerick with Indie Week Ireland.
*Already receiving air play and press in the UK and France as a result of tour, reviewed in UK, France and Ireland.
*Released debut album, Coldspell mastered by George Graves (Alice Cooper, Sloan, Feist, Broken Social Scene).
*ColdSpell reached #1 on CIUT Radio’s Top 30 and made !earshot top 50 charts.
*ColdSpell makes “Best EPs of ‘09” list and track `Didn’t Come Here To Love You` makes “Best songs of ‘09” list at Toronto Snob’s music.
*Recorded follow up album with Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies, PJ Harvey) in October 2009 released May 14th at the Horseshoe Tavern.
- Mojophenia

Bella Clava is one of those groups that come along only once in a great while. I love their live sound recordings, it is truly grinding and in your face, but, also very musical with great hooky guitar lines and a vocal melody that is easy on the ears and at the same time, powerfully emotive.

READ FULL ARTICLE: http://issuu.com/theportal/docs/08_2010/41 - The Portal Magazine

Kathryn Kyte wrote:

"The withstanding pleasure of this band is undeniably sharpening daily. After releasing their full-formed EP “ColdSpell” in 2008 the steadily booked and frequently reviewed act continues to addict. The blistering grunge blasts and consuming vocals invade the room unequivocally, but in flashes. There’s something so Sonny and Cher about them and Caitlin’s calming yet rough chants evoke Joni Mitchell-like soul. Their image even seems to be a genuine pictorial of their modern reflections. The haunting medleys create dark mystic with added pop overlays and tuneful keyboard jolts that are enough to make any body ease with bliss. Whether it’s the heavy hands on keys or the cinematic guitar solos, the Thunder Bay exports have a sound that strings you through a web of brutally honest tales. Witnessing their recent performance at the Central for the Toronto Independent Music Awards showcase, there was no doubting the band’s wow factor and sultry ambition. It would be nice to hear them on a rooftop with a hundred of your friends. Only the raddest ones of course." - Toronto News 24

Bella Clava: "The Craic: An Ephemeral Record" (album review)

Let's face it, blues rock has saturated the indie airwaves and blogosphere over the last couple of years. But Bella Clava and their latest mini-album The Craic: An Ephemeral Record prove that there's always room for one more.

The Thunder Bay-bred, Toronto-based band has been tearing up the clubs with their emphatic blues/garage/classic rock sound. Now the band has added the recording work of the legendary Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies) to the mix.

The new record kicks off with the dirty guitar and rump-shaking keyboard of "I Forgot My Mantra", a track that cements Bella Clava's status as Toronto's sultry answer to The Black Keys. Whirlwind keys and a thumping rhythm section power "So Simple" while "Live" has a classic rock guitar lick that will instantly have you bopping your head.

There are some new twists this time around as the group goes out of there comfort zone. "Surf's Down" sees Steve Suttie take the lead vocals in the midst of a warped surf track while "Eve's Drop" has Caitlin Dacey back in front on a swaying saloon number.

What Albini and the band have managed to capture is the visceral energy that has made Bella Clava one of my favorite live acts on the Toronto scene. Kudos to them.

Bella Clava plays the Bovine in Toronto on September 30th.

Best tracks: "Eve's Drop", "Live"

Track listing for The Craic: An Ephemeral Record:


I Forgot My Mantra
So Simple
Live
Eve's Drop
Surf's Down
Battle of the Wristbands
8.0/10

- TO Snobs Music

Bella Clava – The Craic: An Ephemeral Record
8

08

2010
Band: Bella Clava
EP: The Craic: An Ephemeral Record
Shot of choice: tequila


The band’s sophomore EP, The Craic: An Ephemeral Record, is a work of good old-fashioned rock and roll art. With powerful piano chords and rich guitar riffs, it’s easy to like the sound on its own. But when you toss in Caitlin Dacey’s vocals, the band leaps from good to amazing. Steve Suttie also sings lead on a couple tracks, and he’s got a good wail, but the real vocal gem is when Caitlin belts it out on “Eve’s Drop”. Oh and hey, did I mention yet that the legendary Steve Albini produced the EP? Just add this album to his resume along with the Pixies, Nirvana and a host of other incredible talent. No doubt, it’s a solid recording by Bella Clava.

Bella Clava fascinates me. It started out as a more complete band (listen to their debut EP, ColdSpell), but has developed into a recording duo that plays live with a couple new additions. See them live and I promise you won’t be disappointed by Caitlin’s voice and Steve’s ability to shred. And hey, buy them a shot, will ya?
- Buying Shots for Bands

Bella Clava – The Craic: An Ephemeral Record
8

08

2010
Band: Bella Clava
EP: The Craic: An Ephemeral Record
Shot of choice: tequila


The band’s sophomore EP, The Craic: An Ephemeral Record, is a work of good old-fashioned rock and roll art. With powerful piano chords and rich guitar riffs, it’s easy to like the sound on its own. But when you toss in Caitlin Dacey’s vocals, the band leaps from good to amazing. Steve Suttie also sings lead on a couple tracks, and he’s got a good wail, but the real vocal gem is when Caitlin belts it out on “Eve’s Drop”. Oh and hey, did I mention yet that the legendary Steve Albini produced the EP? Just add this album to his resume along with the Pixies, Nirvana and a host of other incredible talent. No doubt, it’s a solid recording by Bella Clava.

Bella Clava fascinates me. It started out as a more complete band (listen to their debut EP, ColdSpell), but has developed into a recording duo that plays live with a couple new additions. See them live and I promise you won’t be disappointed by Caitlin’s voice and Steve’s ability to shred. And hey, buy them a shot, will ya?
- Buying Shots for Bands

Bella Clava took the stage at The Hideout around 9pm on the Thursday night. Personally, I wasn’t planning on attending the show, but after a late start and a quick shift in my scheduling, I went with fate and jumped off the streetcar just as it past by the venue. With bluesy rock grooves and the keys actually sounding like keys, I was kicked back into 1975. The scene set was complete with fringed dresses and hippy hair. Jefferson Airplane would have been proud.

Backed by her masculine band members, Caitlin Dacey, lead vocals and keys, drew my attention. She never let her spastic male counterpart, Steve Suttie, take too much control. The exuding energy from this band was as epic as Steve’s mustache.
I was in love, and ready for more.

After her set, I followed Caitlin’s painted cat’s eye to the El Mocambo, where she was the newest member of Toronto rock duo, Little Foot Long Foot.
- Music Vice Magazine

Disc Review

Bella Clava
The Craic: An Ephemeral Record (independent)By Richard Trapunski
The sophomore EP release from buzzy local duo Bella Clava explains why we’ve been hearing their name so often lately. Produced by notorious recording legend Steve Albini (no doubt a major coup for a group of up-and-coming Thunder Bay transplants), the record drips fuzz-blues grit, 70s classic rock swagger and piles of charisma.


Sizzling guitar leads often battle with prominent jaunty keys and Doorsy organ, but the ace in the hole is Caitlin Dacey’s voice, a throaty yet polished holler that elevates tracks like Eve’s Drop from garage-soul throwbacks into truly anthemic territory.

Guitarist Steve Suttie shows off an impressive Lux Interior-style wail on the rockabilly throwback tune Surf’s Down, but his other lead vocal performance, on Live, suggests he’d best leave the singing to Dacey and stick to what he does best: filthy, arena-sized soloing.

Top track: Eve’s Drop

Bella Clava play the El Mocambo Friday (July 23) and the Rivoli August 5.


NOW | July 22-29, 2010 | VOL 29 NO 47 - NOW Magazine