The Aussies Howling Bells first peaked my interest when I read about them a few weeks ago on the always excellent One Louder. When Jason wrote: “try to imagine the sound of My Bloody Valentines’ Kevin Shields and Emmylou Harris together on an all-night Paris, Texas bender”, I knew that I had to check them out. Vocalist/guitarist Juanita Stein has a gorgeous voice that reminds me of so many of my favorite frontwomen including Hope Sandoval, PJ Harvey, Liela Moss, and even Maura Davis (ex-Denali) at times. The band manages to wear their Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, and Velvet Underground on their sleeves without sounding derivative. At times Howling Bells sound closest to The Duke Spirit or a more bluesy/twangy Mazzy Star.
Previously called Waikiki, the rest of the band includes Juanita Stein’s brother Joel on guitars, Brendan Picchio on bass, and drummer Glenn Moule. Howling Bells released two singles to date, ‘Low Happening’ on Australia’s Liberation Music and ‘Wishing Stone’ on UK’s Bella Union. Their self-titled debut album is due out on May 8th via Bella Union, with the first single, ‘Blessed Night’ out on May 1st. Apparently Howling Bells played Sin-e on October 11, 2005, did anyone see this show?
Howling Bells - The Bell Hit (stream)
Listen to more songs on their MySpace page
Album artwork by Mikko Rantanen
2 Comments
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I agree, they are a wonderful band, incredible album aswell!! Cant wait to hear what they do next:)
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Has anyone seen Howling Bells and taken pictures? Or do you have pictures of any cool band playing live? If so, then go and upload and share them on the new exciting website, http://www.gigmob.com, dedicated to live music. Go On!