Artist of the day: Mr. Bella
It's Twilight: New Moon week, so naturally, we're spotlighting ... Mr. Bella.
They might play under a gender-incorrect name, but the rockers in Mr. Bella are quite accurate about delivering a hybrid of female-led vocals and testosterone-fueled rock.
The Tampa band, comprising Erin Marie, vocals; Amir DaBiri, bass, synth and backup vocals; Cristian Ripoll, drums; and Scot Valina on guitar, brandishes a palatable and powerful blend of rock, metal, punk and glam, fitting for a big arena as much as a dive bar.
Lately the MB crew have been busy scheduling shows in support of their 2009 release, Cross My Heart. Brett Hestla, engineer behind Dark New Day, Creed and Tantric, produced Mr. Bella's latest sound.
Valina joined earlier this fall. His previous projects include Pheonix Mourning, Glitter Guns and Driving the Fall.
The band’s versatility shows in its vast array of opening stints, for bands as diverse as Sevendust, Taproot, The Exies, The Toadies, Oleander, Marcy's Playground, Sumack, The Almost, Medina Lake, and Full Devil Jacket.
-- Julie Garisto, tbt*
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