The Bellrays

Strutting around stage in high-heels with tambourine in hand, front woman **Lisa Kekaula** is a rare breed. Backed by a tight, and by the looks of things, experienced band, the imposing singer is the link that sees The Bellrays bridge the gap between gospel, Motown and a heavy heap of 60s psychedelia to a refreshing alternative to the hundreds of garage bands kicking out the jams and doing the rounds at this moment.

Her frighteningly powerful vocals have led to the band being labelled 'rock and soul', and to be honest it's a description that's not far wrong. But there's more dimensions to the band's sound than just the lazy references of **Aretha Franklin** fronting the MC5. Their tunes break down into sleazy interludes and rebuild themselves with frenetic pace combined with trashy guitar solos. There's no time to breathe between songs; as one finishes, another starts up

• each time increasingly more aggressive, all blasting with a frenzied rock-soul power.

As the set ends, Kekaula enters the crowd, preaching her words to everyone and anyone she passes. While the Bellrays' gospel may not spread much further than these halls, it's undoubted that their raw energy and passion bring together a great show, and who ever said that religion was easy?