09.18.2024 | Andrew Belle
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
I can thank the Pabst Theater group for introducing me to Andrew Belle nearly a decade ago. As an opener for one of my longtime-favorites, Joshua Radin (playing the Vivarium October 14 - you should definitely go) Belle leaned into the new-ish "Black Bear". Though the album was nearing two years old, it was his first Milwaukee concert, and the Hushed version of the album had recently dropped.
Last year marked the 10th anniversary and Belle played acoustic shows in Evanston and Grand Rapids to celebrate. Having so much fun on those stops, two more were added in Minneapolis and Milwaukee, last Wednesday at Vivarium. An 11th anniversary tour if you will.
The first few notes of "Dark Matter" immediately took me back. I'm not sure how often that CD, yes, I know, was on repeat after that show. Despite being a synth heavy album, absolutely nothing was lost with the simplicity of a single acoustic guitar. Belle himself said it was nice to hear how some of these songs were intended rather than over-produced album versions.
Artists like Belle are why I'll continue to see live music. He's a guy that loves being on stage, bantering with the crowd, and above all things playing music. It may be another few years before he's back on the road, but I certainly wouldn't miss it.
Hunter Metts, who I didn't realize at the time had been on American Idol, opened with soulful acoustic tracks as well. His debut EP "Monochrome" was released this summer
