By Jodi Root

Aaron Ross is hardcore—although you would never guess it by meeting this smiling, soft-spoken, personable 26-year-old Chicagoan. With a musical resume boasting several guest stints and inclusions on various hardcore/punk bands, including a recent tour with Harm’s Way, you’d never suspect he’s the alter-ego mastermind responsible for Chicago-based indie outfit Maribelle. Listening to Maribelle’s latest album, With Teeth Sharp as Old Friends, it’s a wonder he would even attend a hardcore show, let alone assist in creating them. Turns out, dude’s got a sensitive side.

Ross, the leadman of Maribelle since its birth in 2007, has created an 11-track collection of earnestly open, delicate and minimal, melodic tales seeking hope and of desperation. With the most basic instrumentation, Maribelle grips at your heart strings through the usage of Ross’s pleading vocals, bare guitar strumming, accordion, piano and minimal percussion. It’s impossible to not be taken by the vulnerable purity of the album.

Maribelle kicks off their East Coast tour in support of With Teeth Sharp as Old Friends with their record release show this Saturday, February 27th at Chicago’s Ball Hall along with fellow acts Dropjaw, Toby Foster, Quistum with paintings by Varg kicking off at 9:00 PM. For more information, you can call visit Maribelle’s website or call Ball Hall for show details at 773.252.8373.

Stream: With Teeth Sharp as Old Friends