It seems like music today just isn’t what it used to be, until bands like this come to life and change that theory.
The Lone Bellow is filled with such hand-clapping, foot-stomping, southern soul that listeners won’t be able to turn their debut album off. The warm lyrics, piano and acoustic guitar bring together an astounding blend of alternative, country and gospel, and a good mix of both up-beat tracks and slower ballads as well.
Lead vocalist Zach Williams began his career by writing songs on his own as Zach Williams & The Bellow, in 2005. Zach then moved to Brooklyn with the aspiration to get his music career a new start, and he did, fast. With the assistance of former band members Brian Elmquist and Kanene Pipkin, the trio thus began The Lone Bellow in 2010.
Their debut album includes 11 tracks, kicking off with “Green Eyes and a Heart of Gold.” This track is dedicated to following your dreams in the big city, which is actually relevant to the band members’ roots and background stories.
Another more popular song on the album, “Tree To Grow,” describes how the power of love is always worth the fight and how a tree buried in the soil resembles the love and dedication buried in our hearts. This of course includes a beat you can’t help but tap your feet to.
A favorite of mine titled “Teach Me To Know” is a simply written but powerful tune, expressing the message of how on our journey through life we can get carried away and forget who we are and where we came from.
If you need a comparison, The Lone Bellow most resemble the band Mumford & Sons or more up-beat music rather than a group like The Lumineers. This includes lead vocalist Zach Williams having a voice to match a more southern version of Caleb Followill from the band Kings of Leon.
This album can be found on iTunes, where listeners can also find songs from Zach’s first solo album. As for The Lone Bellow, I highly recommend to everyone this incredible band. I have a feeling they are going to get big very soon.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025