BEL RIOSE
www.belriose.com

General Bel Riose is a character from an Isaac Asimov book. He believed in his empire and died while trying to defend it.

bel riose is also a two man rock band from Vancouver Canada who similarly have placed their faith in the empire of music.

The latter bel riose was formed in 1999 from the ashes of a very eclectic and almost indescribable three peice math-pop band, Back Room Shag. Ryan and Geof Dolejsi had been creating music together in a number of different bands since 1991. Having seen the ins and outs of coralling band members together for practice, etc., they decided the easiest thing would be to go on their own.
With two man bands like the Inbreds and Duotang going strong, Ryan and Geof knew what could be done with the bass and drums line up, but it wasn't enough. They didn't want people to excuse them for being 'half a band'. bel riose had to be a full band that could hold its own in power, energy, creativity, and shear electricity both on stage and in the studio.

The first step was Ryan's switch to acoustic bass. This gave him access to a full frequency range that fills unsuspecting audience members with questions and compliments after every show. With the addition of an eq, distortion, and sometimes a harmonizer pedal they had found several tonal qualities that simulate the power of a standard four peice band.

Vocals also became a very important tool. Harmonies from both brothers create a depth of sound which has become the signature of bel riose, and provide a lush backdrop for Ryan's inspired and thoughtful lyrics.
One last ingredient was needed to round out the band's sound. They found it in Geof's constant flow of creative and well balanced percussion. His fresh ideas gave him the control to navigate his monster-truck sized drum kit through the most delicate of moments, while able to detonate at any time. From there, it was just a matter of letting the songs come together.

In 2000, 'the notion' was born. The ten song demo was very well received, but, because of the addition of much instrumentation to even out the recording, it was not wholly representative of the live bel riose sound. Late in 2002 Ryan and Geof set out to make a new record. A record which not only would reflect the energy and passion of the songs it contained, but one which also would remain true to the two instruments that gave it birth.
'get vs. deserve' is that record. In an era of quick pop singles, Ryan and Geof wanted to create an album that could be played start to finish, where every moment is deliberate and pertinent. So far the feedback from 'get vs. deserve' has been very encouraging. That's good news, because as far as Ryan and Geof are concerned, bel riose is set for a very long journey.
The empire is not in good shape.

	The Notion self-released Some little bits recorded by Colin Stewart 2000.