The Healing is an appropriate title for this album from the formerly Melbourne, now LA-based rock act Bellusira. The band’s two core members, frontwoman Crystal Ignite and bassist Mark Dalbeth, have been through some seriously tough times during their personal and musical journeys, but continue to push ahead with their burgeoning career. This album makes a strong statement of fortitude, both with its music and message.
The message, conveyed by the music, lyrics and Ignite’s impassioned delivery, is one of rising above pain and hard times. It’s best exemplified by the title track, which is a quiet, acoustic ballad full of positivity tinged with pain. It’s a poignant and unexpected way to close a hard hitting rock album. Though, there’s a nice balance of tough as nails rock and softer moments throughout The Healing’s track listing.
When it comes time to rock, the band come at you in dynamic and powerful waves. Opener The Fight features fat grooves and subtle use of double kick drumming; lead single Black Seed hits hard and is catchy as hell. Across the record anthemic, fist pumping rock choruses abound, while the musicianship and production values are exemplary.
Bold and feisty, Bellusira extend a collective middle finger to the tough times most of us face. This album could be a source of inspiration to someone experiencing pain, loss, depression, anxiety or any of the myriad other ills that people go through.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
