Howling Bells - Radio Wars
by Helen Tipping
published: 26 / 2 / 2009
Label:
Independiente
Format: CD
intro
Mainstream. long overdue second album from Australian band Howling Bells, which moves away from the some of the darkness that msde them so original and compelling
It seems like a long time since we’ve heard from Howling Bells, and indeed it is – two years since I last saw them live and nearly three since their self-titled first album was released. It is clear what they’ve been doing in that time, writing and recording the new album. The main difference between the two albums as far as the band is concerned is that the first was written by singer Juanita Stein alone, whilst this second album is a group effort. The input of producer Dan Grech-Marguerat, who has worked with many more well-known artists, means different production values and more opportunity to experiment and draw on his experiences. So is it very different ? Well, yes and no. Opening track 'Treasure Hunt' has a big, cinematic sound whilst 'Cities Burning Down' is very reminiscent of the first album in that it has a darker theme. Overall it is more mainstream with some of the tracks having an indie sound, but they haven’t lost their original sound completely. They are just developing it. I would hate for them to become yet another indie band as it was their oddness and darkness that drew me to them. Hopefully further releases will continue to build on, rather than move away from, their idiosyncrasies and originality.
Track Listing:-
1 Treasure Hunt2 Cities Burning Down
3 It Ain't You
4 Nightingale
5 Let's Be Kids
6 Ms. Bells Song/Radio Wars Theme
7 Radio Wars Theme
8 Golden Web
9 Into The Chaos
10 Digital Hearts
11 How Long
12 To L.A.
13 Breaking My Back
live reviews |
|
Academy 2, Manchester, 15/3/2009 |
|
| Helen Tipping finds Australian indie rockers Howling Bells, in Manchester as part of a British tour to promote their second album 'Radio Wars', lacking the edginess of their past |
| Club Academy, Manchester, 21/10/2006 |
reviews |
|
Into the Sky (2011) |
|
| Increasingly impressive first single from their forthcoming third album from country infuscd Australian neo-goths, Howling Bells. |
| Wishing Stone (2006) |
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