ALBUM REVIEW: Howling Bells – "Howling Bells"
This isn’t what Australian bands are meant to sound like! Howling Bells’ dark acid folk is about as far removed as it’s possible to be from Jet. Recent single “Wishing Stone” has the sort of scratchy lo-fi ambience that could soundtrack Tarantino’s next film, while the elegant wall-of-noise that is last year’s “Low Happening” has melodies that sound like they’ve existed forever. The four piece’s frontwoman, Juanita Stein, adds an ethereal Martha Wainwright-getting-stabbed wail to her brother Joel’s gritty guitar lines. Uneasy but majestic, Howling Bell’s debut album is a sophisticated, adult record. The antipodean My Bloody Valentine, anyone?
You know, I’m more than a little disturbed by the idea that Jet is seen to represent typical Australian music. It’s kind of like saying that Steve Irwin represents the typical Australian. Very, very disturbing.
Jo
March 28, 2006 at 1:13 pm
yeah well the Howling Bells are one of the most awesome bands I have ever seen or heard. Man they are going to take over soon!!
Anonymous
May 3, 2006 at 10:49 am
I’m fast falling in love with this band. Which is fantastic because I thought it’d been a lean year for new releases just personally. But these guys rock and Juanita’s voice if just outstanding. Gotta rush out and buy their album.
White_Ox
September 8, 2006 at 8:38 am