Camdne Music: Howling Bells

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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with RóISíN GADELRAB
Published: 5 February 2009

Australian four-piece Howling Bells are set to play Islington O2 Academy

Bells’ ringing endorsement

PREVIEW: HOWLING BELLS
O2 academy, islington

IT’S been three years since Aussie four-piece Howling Bells released their eponymous first album to critical acclaim.
At the time they won the usual superlative adjectives reserved for the more abstract bands out there – dark, atmospheric, cinematic and haunting.
Lead vocalist Juanita was compared to PJ Harvey, there were mentions of Sigur Ros and NME gave their album a 9/10 rating. Then, they temporarily fell off the radar, while they went off to conquer the world, returning to the UK last year to play a few minor gigs.
We can safely say they are now well and truly back, having been picked to join NME’s favourite acts at the Shockwaves awards show at the 02 Academy, Islington.
Their second album, Radio Wars, is out in March and their new single, Cities Burning Down – still full of shadows, with a slick video – is out on February 23.
Speaking of their new album, Juanita said: “Our debut album [Howling Bells] was more of a lonesome creation – out of found and lost love, came the inspiration for most of the tracks.”
But this latest work is a collaboration between all four band members. Drummer Glenn Moule said: “When writing for the record in a country house in Victoria, Juanita and I would hop in my folks’ beat-up Ute and try and tune into certain stations.
“However, clearly the radio had a mind of its own, constantly tuning in and out different stations and frequencies. It became a resistant friend of ours. We called this Radio Wars.”

* Howling Bells play Islington O2 Academy on Monday February 9

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