A kinetic blend of nerve-tingling melody and jagged angles, Southern Belle has proven plenty already with an impressive debut record under their belts, and plans for two more next year.  Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the group rides the kind of sweet/edgy line associated with bands like The Pixies and Nirvana, which is not to say that they sound like either of those bands.  However, like those bands, they seem to create their own sonic template.

The band is comprised of Ross McLeron (lead vocals and guitars), Austin Jackson (lead vocals and keyboards), Nicole Perry (bass and vocals), and Max Lilien (drums).  McLeron and Jackson frequently sing together, forming an interesting mixture of droll sing-along and manic angst.  It's one of the most interesting vocal pairings you'll ever hear.  Throw in the quirky, sad/shy vocals of Perry and you have a combination for alt-rock perfection.

Check out our session with one of the most promising new bands in the country.  And if you like what you hear below, also be sure to check out the supremely catchy "Oh Tokyo", currently playing on the band's MySpace page, and available on their debut record.