Extraordinary Leverage|Under The World Awhile|
Rain Home|Nothing Makes Me Sad Ever|Live

thericebowl.net writes of the January 22, 2007 Hilo, Hawaii performance:

"Live music is not a regular occurrence in Hilo, especially good live music. Last night was a major exception.

Friends of ours were playing there in their band, Beyond Velouria, as well as another band from Nebraska, Shelter Belt. Both bands were amazing, and they drew out a very large crowd. Shelter Belt found a very unique sound, mingling Jazz with Blues and introducing many instruments into their work such as accordion, trumpet, trombone, and many more.

Music was fantastic and the company was good. I left with a signed CD from Shelter Belt and two copies of Beyond Velouria's Demo record."

GH of the Wildcat Information Network writes of the September 9, 2005 Manhattan, Kansas performance:

"Shelter Belt is totally diverse in each song they do. One minute you could have a hopping, dance 'til you drop tune, and the next minute a jazz-club style beat. There is something for almost anyone, and with almost every single instrument imaginable being used, Shelter Belt always keeps it interesting."

Kevin Allegre of thedazemusic.com writes of the April 29, 2005 Emporia, Kansas performance:

"Try as I might, I simply cannot place their genre. Shelter Belt are unlike anything I've ever heard.

My first impression of the band was 'WHOA, an accordion, this can't end well' but as soon as they played three bars it soon changed to 'WHOA, I've never heard THIS before,... and I think I like it!.' With their super-mobile, beat-oriented pop, Shelter Belt stirs something inside of the listener, something that person probably didn't even know existed.

Rachel brings that kickass female energy that's so seldom seen around here. She and Jesse have such a chemistry and stage presence that one finds himself unable to look away, for fear that they'll miss something cool. Even if it's just a look or a small unnoticeable movement, every aspect of their behavior captivates the audience member. One can't help but think 'I want more!' only to find that that's exactly what they're getting; stage performance and sound that's a step above what you're used to."

Blake Mullanix writes in the UNK Antelope of the October 8, 2004 performance at Cunningham's Journal in Kearney, Nebraska:

"Shelter Belt made its second appearance at Cunningham’s Journal last Friday, with the local act feariscalm as the opener.

The seven-piece Shelter Belt has a sound that is very difficult to label, and at times, transcends a nameable genre.

The different styles of drum beats alone is enough to make the left hemisphere of your brain begin to beg for conformity. The listener quickly gets a feel for the eccentricity of styling.

Tying together the unique progression in styling of the rhythm section, is ultra-catchy piano playing, soulfully-delivered guitar riffs, painstakingly passionate lyrics, and woodwind piping.

For the crowd at Cunningham’s on Friday night, the buzz from both feariscalm and Shelter Belt was as strong as the effect from a $20 worth of Jaeger Bombs."

Joe Younglove of Starcityscene.com writes of the August 28, 2004 performance with Neva Dinova at 9th Street Basement in Lincoln, Nebraska:

"Switching instruments and people around does a lot for good entertainment. The 9th Street Basement stage was a circus; a sometimes drunk and always rhythmically-inclined cast of performers.

Shelter Belt is undeniably fun. The vocalist wears a tam o’shanter hat, and he and Prince are cut from the same cloth.

The songs are exuberant, colorful, and call for dancing 85 percent of the time. During one song, a member alternated accordion and trombone duties. The drummer played banjo, and wowed the crowd with a special dance during the last song. Standing at the middle of the stage, facing north, he lifted a pitcher of beer to his mouth and swallowed the ale with graceful dexterity.

Shelter Belt covered the Prince-penned, “When You Were Mine,” from 1980’s Dirty Mind, proving the timelessness of the artist formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince’s work. The song was in line with other Shelter Belt songs, featuring a bright horn section and soul.

I recommend purchasing Rain Home, Shelter Belt’s debut album, because it has stunning artwork, careful production, and the music runs across the board. However, they are easily more impressive in a live setting. "The Beeps" is reminiscent of "Susan’s House" by Eels, because of the internal monologue talking parts. Overall, the album is a celebration of sound, breaking free from traditions associated with setting band member roles in stone."