With a sweep of nostalgic twee and a dusting of alternative folk, Former Belle’s latest, “I Woke Up In Chicago” is a beautifully elegiac ode to suburban romance as told by frontman Bruno Catrambone.

With vocal sensibilities likened to Conor Oberst and a hushed sentimentality like something out of the Bridge Over Troubled Water, Former Belle plays like something deeply rooted in our musical vernacular. “I Woke Up In Chicago” is contemporary American yearning at it’s finest, underscored by a soothing notion of overcoming some sorrow. “I Woke Up In Chicago” also sees Former Belle flirting with a lo-fi orientation reminiscent of Beck’s early work – an articulately angst-ridden sound hidden beneath some aspirations to be a real song and dance man.

Catrambone, guitarist for indie-rock outfit CRUISR, has revived his side project Former Belle in various incarnations and lineups since 2011. On their latest EP, Foreign Bed, Catrambone is joined by Kyle Sheva, Tim Bostwick and Josh Miller. Written and recorded on the road and in between CRUISR performances, Former Belle has allowed for yet another outlet for Catrambone to display his contemplative singing and songwriting.

Former Belle will take the road in March, with dates extending throughout April. Catch the group on 3/13 in Allentown, PA at Alternative Gallery, 4/17 at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn and their EP release show at The Foundry in Philadelphia on 4/29. For more information and other dates, please visit their site.