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ED2012 3/5 Reviews ED2012 Music Reviews
Belles Amies! (Oxford University Belles)
By Christy Brown | Published on Sunday 5 August 2012
Beatboxing and hand-jiving their way into Fringe 2012, Oxford University’s female a cappella group adopt the peppy enthusiasm of cheerleaders, thankfully sans pompoms and wobbly human pyramids. Occasionally giggle-inducing and saccharine, there are similarities between Oxford’s Belles and the New Directions of high school sitcom ‘Glee’, but in contrast to their onscreen counterparts, there’s no diva on a mission to steal the limelight. The ladies make a powerful ensemble in troupe colours of black and green, marching as one, signalled only by the key-calling harmonica. That said, jazzier costumes and tightening of harmonies might render ‘Belles Amies!’ less am-dram. Belles of the ballads they undoubtedly are, though, with the chillingly beautiful ‘Jar of Hearts’ raising goosebumps throughout the audience.
Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, 1-18 Aug, 5.25pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Christy Brown]
