Belly @ The Waterfront

Back in the early 90’s I was in my early 20’s and thought Tanya Donnelly was the absolute tits. Beautiful, talented, spiritual, intelligent and rad, she ticked all my boxes. She was a real WOMAN, with complexities and layers to both Belly and Throwing Muses' music that I could make my own. Along with her stepsister Kristin Hersh, the Deal sisters, Kathleen Hanna and Kim Gordon they reassured me that I wasn’t alone with my turbulent emotions, made me dance with abandon, and helped to inspire me to be the woman I am today. I have much to be grateful to them for.

Tanya’s never stopped making music since the demise of Belly, after their two brilliant and memorable albums. Her solo work is equally as great. However, the news that Belly would be reforming for a tour and possibly more after 20 years warmed many hearts across the world, and Norwich’s middle aged indie music kids were pumped that they were coming to see us too.

It was a sweaty night at the Waterfront, with a big and excited crowd carrying a real buzz with them. I spoke to a few people, and every single one said that Star and King, Belly’s albums, held such fond memories for them, from being that CD you listen to in the car for a whole year to it being the first gig that someone had even been to. Their music has been carried around in these fans’ hearts for two decades. Tonight was going to be special from the off.

In a nice touch, Belly played two sets of 45 minutes each with no support, giving the audience exactly what they were yearning for – as much Belly as possible. The band seemed a little apprehensive arriving on stage, but as soon as Tanya started singing opener Dusted, all doubt was removed from their performance. Gail on bass was an absolute delight, rangy and wild-haired, goofing around almost constantly whilst wielding her huge instrument. Hearing them live for the first time was a breath of fresh air – they’re a proper band, playing as one, with no showboating, utter respect for each other clearly on show, and imbued with a sense of joy. There were moments of country-tinged ballads, with Tanya’s voice soaring and reaching up into the heavens, although she is more than able to add a handful of grit into it when needed. There were moments of all-out indie rock, confident and ballsy. For such a little lady she has an absolute belter of a voice, clear, pure, loud, strong and very human, and hearing her took me right back to all those years ago when I turned to female voices like hers to give me strength when in distress or confusion. It got a little emotional for me at times.

The band played tracks from both albums, including the bangers Gepetto and Feed The Tree and an audience request, Super-Connected. Gepetto rolled along smoothly and sweetly but with a take-no-prisoners boot stomp underneath, and Feed The Tree raised the roof with pure pleasure. They trialled a couple of new songs including the really lovely Comet which fit right in with the back cat while still feeling vital and new. It was a great way to remember how good these songs actually are. Not over-long, not self indulgent with just the right amounts of bitingly rough edges married with the sweet and wistful.

One of the nicest and most memorable aspects of this gig were the huge waves of love passing both ways between the band and the crowd. They were overwhelmed with our appreciation, and we were delighted that they were there and playing those songs we held so dear. The camaraderie between Tanya, Chris, Tom and Gail was a beautiful thing, laughs and jokes between them and also the cheeky, funny banter between them and audience members made it feel like we were all in the band together.

A love fest of the highest order. Belly, you still give me inner strength, you still make me dance and you’re still the tits.