BELLES - What in the Truck - Deluge Records

Known for her keen ability to channel real life into songs, rising country starlet Kelli Belles (known simply as Belles) has solidified a perfect balance of a freshly modern sound that’s draped in traditional characteristics that allows for a dynamic connection to emanate through ear-popping lyrics and an honesty that laces her vocal ebbs and flows.

In a space crafted of tenderhearted emotional stresses and heartstring tugged catchiness, songs such as “Man Outta Me,” “He Gave Me The Ring,” and “I Hate Trucks” have become the cornerstones to providing signature definition to who she is as an artist, songwriter, and vocalist.

Initially debuting on social media to the tune of over 3 million views while garnering heavy commentary from her exuberant fan base, “What in the Truck” is officially out now as her next single and the debut release since signing with Deluge Records Nashville.

As the opening song of her set on her current Trust Issues Tour, “What in the Truck” immediately flavors an ultra-catchy vibe through an addictively drawn melody and a crispness that outlines the quizzical feel of her voice as she begins to question her boyfriend’s faithfulness, knowing that something is up but wanting to hear the truth straight from him.

Noticing little nuances from her front seat perspective on the passenger side of his pickup truck, she begins to take notice of the lip gloss rolling around his floorboard that’s a shade she never wears, that his radio isn’t tuned to the country station like it normally is, etc.

Landing then at the anthem laced chorus where she repurposes her cautious questioning into a boldly courageous ask that hammers directly to the point, she exalts unbridled confidence and a reaffirmed grip on her self-worth in knowing that she deserves better.

“What in the truck has she touched

Was she sitting in my seat

Laying back, fogging glass

With her hand there on your knee

I need to know boy and I’ll only ask it once

Tell me what have you done, something’s up

Yeah, what in the truck”

But underneath the addictive melody and cleverly drafted play on words, sits a vulnerability that swirls frustration, doubt, and anxiety. Seeking the answer to what she already knows, Belles masterfully tilts her voice in such skilled ways that it enhances each gut punch feeling while still trying to maintain a coolness about her aura as her heart is breaking in two.

Belles shares, "I wrote this song from a place of vulnerability, inspired by a moment in high school when I saw a lip gloss rolling across the floorboards of my ex-boyfriend's car and made me question everything. It’s a reminder to trust our instincts and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. This is my way of sharing the words I wish I had said, and it’s incredible to see so many others connect with that feeling. Together, we’re validating each other’s experiences.”

(Review Written By: Jeffrey Kurtis)