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
recording the first album; the band recorded a handful of
