Cincinnati rockers Isabelle Helle and the Hell's Bells have delivered a trick and treat just in time for Halloween. For their forthcoming single on Women In Rock Records (due Nov. 8), the band offers their Garage Pop spin on the classic scary short story “The Green Ribbon.”
The Hell's Bells also recently unveiled a music video for “Green Ribbon” that they made with director Kalie Krause. The clip perfectly evokes the creepy, crawly vibe of the song, which also has a dark and endearing ’90s AltRock charm.
The “Green Ribbon” tale was famously included in the children’s book In a Dark, Dark Room (and Other Scary Stories), but it’s chilling twist isn’t exactly li'l-kid-friendly. A couple of years ago, BuzzFeed writer Lauren Yapalater wrote an incredulous piece about the strange story of an industrious decapitated zombie woman named Jenny who has a special surprise for her new husband.
Bells singer/songwriter/guitarist Isabelle Helle says she was similarly captivated by “The Green Ribbon” and wanted to take the story further with the song.
“Since (I was) a kid I've been fascinated with this story,” Helle says. “As I got older, I started thinking about Jenny and how clearly she was undead because who can wander around with only a ribbon holding their head on? ‘Green Ribbon’ captures what I believe to be the next chapter of Jenny's life.”
The debut single from Isabelle Helle and the Hell's Bells — in which Helle is joined by Billie Bell (bass), R. Bell (guitar) and Nasty Jack Bell (drums) — will also feature the band’s “theme song,” “Outta Hell.”
The group is celebrating the single’s release on Nov. 8 when they perform at MOTR Pub with local Post Punk duo mr.phylzzz. The twosome is also celebrating the recent release of new music — the six-track EP Penitent Curtis came out in late September on seminal Indie Rock label Amphetamine Reptile.
Visit the Hell’s Bells Facebook page for more on the band.
