A first glimpse of Irish girl group Bellefire is likely to leave you with the impression of them being just another pop band manufactured on the mass market conveyor belt. But their live promotional showcase at the Fringe Club earlier this month would cause even the most hardened pop critic to reassess - the trio's sweet voices and near-perfect harmonies were an audio treat.
Bellefire is comprised of sisters Cathy (22) and Ciara (21) Newell and Kelly Kilfeather (25). They first met at an audition in 1999 where thousands of young superstar wannabes were queuing to audition for a place in a new girl/boy band. The project was headed by Louis Walsh, a band manager with such chart-topping favourites as Westlife and Boyzone under his belt.
The three girls were selected and then introduced to singer Tara Lee. In April 2000, the newly formed foursome released two singles, which both reached the UK top 20. Their cover of U2's All I want is You went double platinum in Ireland. Tara left the group in 2002.
The success of Bellefire is largely attributable to their admirable singing capabilities and their easy listening tunes. 'We have been working together for so long that we know each other's voices well. The balance and harmony just comes naturally,' Kelly said.
'At home in Ireland, music is a national pastime. We often sing songs in family gatherings and singing is something that we unconsciously do all the time. It's good to grow up in such an environment,' Cathy added.
Although the three girls grew up in households where traditional Irish music was played, they avoid letting this music influence their songs.
