Belle and Chain Explore Jealousy with Single “Laila”

Photo Credit: Sheva Kafai

Actor Spencer Grammer sought out to create an interesting sound as a solo artist following an accident in 2020 where her physical therapist told her to pick up playing guitar. She found that working with multi-instrumentalist David IL produced that sound better. Their alt-country rock duo, Belle and Chain has a distinctly Americana rock sound that is reminiscent of that 70’s rock sound we all know and love. Their debut single “Dont Worry Babe” landed them a spot on tour with Barns Courtney and a few festival slots. Following the success of this single they have dropped another called “Laila”.

“Laila” has a hauntingly beautiful sound that entrances the listener. The instrumentation sounds simple but has complex layers that I am enjoying picking apart. The guitar pattern is so pretty the repetitive strumming pattern allows for the vocals to shine through. It seems the song can be interpreted in several different ways. The way I heard it was that the writer wants to be the woman that she is singing about, whether it be someone that her romantic interest wants or whether it is just who she aspires to be, the writer has idealized this person into who she obsesses over. There is a jealousy there that manifests itself as an obsession for this woman. It could be reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” mixed with the sound of “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos (Eric Clapton).

Photo via Instagram

The cover art for this song is really incredible as well. It features a drawing that resembles the three of swords tarot card. This card represents heartbreak and betrayal. This is represented by the three swords piercing through an anatomical heart drawing. In the drawing there is also a snake that is peaking through the heart. 

I am super interested to see where this sound takes them when a more full project comes in the future. I would like to see them explore this instrumentation further and lean into this Americana sound.