Biography of Belly

Belly's debut album, 1993's Star, was one of the major alternative rock hits of the year, managing to crossover into the mainstream with the minor hit "Feed the Tree." Led by vocalist/guitarist Tanya Donelly, a former member of the Throwing Muses and the Breeders, Belly's music is more straightforward and pop-oriented than her previous bands. The group's melodies are ethereal yet catchy, supported by lush, interweaving guitar hooks. The layered, swirling guitars conceal some dark lyrical undercurrents that save the group from being too precious.Donelly formed Belly in 1992 with former Muses bassist Fred Abong, adding brothers Tom and Chris Gorman (guitar and drums, respectively) before the group went into the studio to record their debut album. Belly released a series of British singles in 1992 that earned the band a following in both the U.K. and the U.S. Abong left the group after the recording of the album; the band recorded a handful of B-sides with various bassists before replacing him with Gail Greenwood in early 1993, after the release of their debut.Star, was released in early 1993 and immediately became an alternative hit, selling more than all of the previous Muses and Breeders releases combined. "Feed the Tree," the first single from the album became a hit and the group embarked on a successful tour that ran throughout 1993. Several other alternative-radio hits followed, including "Slow Dog" and "Gepetto."Belly returned in 1995 with King, their first album recorded with Greenwood. King failed to meet the high expectations raised by Star. "Now They'll Sleep" became a moderate hit on alternative radio, as did "Superconnected," but the album didn't sell in numbers comparable to Star, slipping out of the charts two months after its release. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine