Post by blade on Feb 17, 2009 22:21:42 GMT
Here's a few, the first two from British broadsheets:
First, The Independent:
www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-howling-bells-radio-wars-independiente-1604253.html
Text:
The second Howling Bells album is a bigger, brasher beast than the Sydney quartet's debut.
That isn't to say 'Radio Wars' is about brute noise. Every decibel is deployed with precision. Juanita Stein's beguiling vocals are backed by a sound which alternates between shoegaze and Spector-ish jingle-jangle. When they bring the two strands together on "Let's Be Kids Again", it occurs that this might be the album that elevates Howling Bells from a band you wouldn't switch off to one that you'd actively seek out.
Pick of the album: Ring the school bells: 'Let's Be Kids Again'
Next The Guardian:
www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/feb/13/rock-review-howling-bells-radio-wars
Text:
They hail from sunny Sydney, but this solid second set cements the Bells firmly in rock's melancholia tradition, echoing the Bunnymen and Tindersticks. Cities Burning Down recalls 2006's fine Low Happening, and while some songs drone on (How Long), the minor chords toll with uplifting misery
Next:
soundsxp.com/artman2/publish/albums/Howling_Bells_Radio_Wars.shtml
Text:
The sound of Howling Bells is epic and widescreen, perhaps reflecting an Australian sense of space and distance. ‘Let’s Be Kids’ and ‘Cities Burning Down’ are expansive soundtracks, Juanita Stern’s Debbie Harry-ish voice delivering the pop kiss while brother Joel is responsible for the vast chiming guitars. Even the balladry of the brass-kissed ‘How Long’ has an air-fisting hugeness. But where their Bella Union debut had a sense of humility and a touch of shoegazing, this goes all out for world domination. It sounds like the villain is Dan Grech-Marguerat (the Leni Reifenstahl of knob-twiddling), who has produced, polished and pro-tooled the record to unearthly dimensions. He’s especially overdone the drums until they’re an inhuman, repetitive beat in every song, any trace of human fallibility erased. It should present a sense of awe but the effect of the overproduction is aww...no!
Another:
www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/reviews/music/rock-indie/howling-bells-radio-wars-$1266472.htm
Text:
In a nutshell...
Bittersweet, swooping, sexy vocals alongside pop-driven guitar beats.
What's it all about?
Follow-up second album to the successful self-titled debut; Radio Wars consists of ten tracks with a short interlude tying the songs together. A departure from the sound of their atmospheric first album, displaying their efforts to launch into the mainstream indie-rock market.
Who's it by?
The Howling Bells are an Australian act hailing from Sydney. They were previously known as Waikiki but then the group split up, reformed and changed their name in 2004 with new band members. They experienced some small success in Australia as Waikiki, then moved to England to play and record. One can hear the similarities between the two outfits due to the unmistakeable vocal style of Juanita Stein who moved in to play guitar in the newly-formed group. As well as changing their name and location, their sound changed from a guitar-pop based sound to a more dark rock sound. The Howling Bells released their first self-titled album with Bella Union in 2006 to rave reviews, and were also named as an up and coming act to watch by NME. This is their second album released under a different label Independiente, leading with the catchy single "Into the Chaos".
As an example...
"Radio Wars/Change the stationMmy digital heart/Is suddenly breaking/I'll never hear my favourite song again." - Digital Hearts
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Although the unmistakable talent of Juanita Stein and brother Joel is apparent once again on this album, it seems they haven't quite hit the nail on the head. While their last album showed glimmers of greatness, the follow-up fails to deliver anything more. Fans that favour the pop-rock side of their songs will still appreciate this album for what it is, yet those that were converted by their darker rock sound may be a little disappointed with this one.
What the others say
"Howling Bells seem to be facing an identity crisis over whether to appeal to the masses or a more niche market. If they are going for the latter they have failed completely. If shooting for the former they are going to have to ramp up their hooks. Because like it or hate it, even new-era Kings of Leon has memorable choruses." - wirelessbollinger.com
"Lead single Cities Burning Down is a fully realised pop gem, which is both dark and beautiful, full of allegory and laden with gilted guitars. The Bells' critically acclaimed self-titled debut, through Bella Union, received rave reviews in NME and Pitchfork, and this longplayer could help cement their position as pioneers of eerie indie." - musicweek.com
So is it any good?
In my eyes the Howling Bells were onto something good with their debut album. The best gloomy rock to come out of Australia since Nick Cave; a breath of fresh air away from all the aspiring Brit-indie style outfits that Australian bands seem to try to emulate all too often. This album signals a step away from this style, stepping into mainstream territory. It chooses to tone down the dark, angry atmosphere in favour of room-filling pop anthems. Although some fans may see this as a departure from their signature sound, their heartbroken lyrics and Juanita's eerie, yet sexy vocals will keep people listening and possibly win some new fans.
Regardless of this new sound, some tracks, including the singles Into the Chaos and Cities Burning Down are catchy enough to make this album a keeper. The second half of the album is definitely stronger and more definitive of the band's signature atmospheric rock. So skip to that half if you find yourself pining for the 'old stuff', as I did. In the end, albums don't win true fans 'til they make people feel something. Whilst the last album left me feeling like lighting a cigarette and walking onto the set of a black and white arthouse film, this latest offering left me feeling far less inspired. If their impressive live shows are anything to go buy, this album could sound a lot better in front of an audience.
6.5 /10
Gemma Alver
Another:
www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storycode=1036548
Text:
By Anita Awbi
For their sophomore album Radio Wars, the lush Aussie indie four-piece return with a more realised sound, bolder and brasher than before.
Juanita Stein’s eerily empty vocals swoop and soar as sliding guitars and piano flourishes enrich their sound.
Lead single Cities Burning Down is a fully realised pop gem, which is both dark and beautiful, full of allegory and laden with gilted guitars.
The Bells’ critically acclaimed self-titled debut, through Bella Union, received rave reviews in NME and Pitchfork, and this longplayer could help cement their position as pioneers of eerie indie.
More:
strangeglue.com/reviews/howling-bells-radio-wars
Text:
by Brad Kelly
Howling Bells do many things right. Each member knows their respective instrument well enough and they no doubt know the Indie Rock genre by heart. The music itself holds up over the duration (lulling in creativity in places) but overall, is an impressive LP.
Wouldn’t it be weird if albums were that easy to sum up?
As is with most music, a mini-synopsis is never enough to truly unearth the hidden potential or disappointments of an album. It takes a much deeper experience than that of face-value to respect a record and that’s where Radio Wars starts to look a little shabbier than first thought. It’s in no way a bad record, it just negates its initial impression with repeated listens.
Intro track Treasure Hunt is a fantastical dive into the contagious and keeps a metaphorical dark cloud looming above its equally metaphorical head throughout. Vocalist Juanita Stein never goes too far with her voice and adds another layer to the atmosphere. Second time round though, it’s a little less catchy than the initial listen and so on and so forth.
Many of the tracks on Radio Wars follow the same sort of trend, sometimes with greater intensity, sometimes with less. "Cities Burning Down" holds a brash chorus with quieter, laid back verses complete with percussion which follows the rhythm brilliantly. The bass permeates throughout the record, taking centre-stage in one moment before disappearing into the background the next. It’s audibly impressive and works well. For the first listen…
Much of the frustration spurs from repetition, not so much on the musical side but more in the vocal sector and overall tone of the music. The volume’s usually set to one level and remains uniformly constant during most sectors. It’s more discouraging than completely off-putting but neither is exactly a glowing recommendation.
Their sound is attractive and intelligent; the craftsmanship of the music on display is enough to garner some respect. Needless to say it's coherent stuff, yet mired by its intent to remain as serious as possible.
Howling Bells do many things right but there’s something wrong with everything one of them. Predictable choruses and a feeling of 'I’ve been here before' (English for 'Deja Vu') detract from the otherwise enjoyable content held on this shiny little disc. Nice title as well.
Rating: 6 / 10
First, The Independent:
www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-howling-bells-radio-wars-independiente-1604253.html
Text:
The second Howling Bells album is a bigger, brasher beast than the Sydney quartet's debut.
That isn't to say 'Radio Wars' is about brute noise. Every decibel is deployed with precision. Juanita Stein's beguiling vocals are backed by a sound which alternates between shoegaze and Spector-ish jingle-jangle. When they bring the two strands together on "Let's Be Kids Again", it occurs that this might be the album that elevates Howling Bells from a band you wouldn't switch off to one that you'd actively seek out.
Pick of the album: Ring the school bells: 'Let's Be Kids Again'
Next The Guardian:
www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/feb/13/rock-review-howling-bells-radio-wars
Text:
They hail from sunny Sydney, but this solid second set cements the Bells firmly in rock's melancholia tradition, echoing the Bunnymen and Tindersticks. Cities Burning Down recalls 2006's fine Low Happening, and while some songs drone on (How Long), the minor chords toll with uplifting misery
Next:
soundsxp.com/artman2/publish/albums/Howling_Bells_Radio_Wars.shtml
Text:
The sound of Howling Bells is epic and widescreen, perhaps reflecting an Australian sense of space and distance. ‘Let’s Be Kids’ and ‘Cities Burning Down’ are expansive soundtracks, Juanita Stern’s Debbie Harry-ish voice delivering the pop kiss while brother Joel is responsible for the vast chiming guitars. Even the balladry of the brass-kissed ‘How Long’ has an air-fisting hugeness. But where their Bella Union debut had a sense of humility and a touch of shoegazing, this goes all out for world domination. It sounds like the villain is Dan Grech-Marguerat (the Leni Reifenstahl of knob-twiddling), who has produced, polished and pro-tooled the record to unearthly dimensions. He’s especially overdone the drums until they’re an inhuman, repetitive beat in every song, any trace of human fallibility erased. It should present a sense of awe but the effect of the overproduction is aww...no!
Another:
www.inthenews.co.uk/entertainment/reviews/music/rock-indie/howling-bells-radio-wars-$1266472.htm
Text:
In a nutshell...
Bittersweet, swooping, sexy vocals alongside pop-driven guitar beats.
What's it all about?
Follow-up second album to the successful self-titled debut; Radio Wars consists of ten tracks with a short interlude tying the songs together. A departure from the sound of their atmospheric first album, displaying their efforts to launch into the mainstream indie-rock market.
Who's it by?
The Howling Bells are an Australian act hailing from Sydney. They were previously known as Waikiki but then the group split up, reformed and changed their name in 2004 with new band members. They experienced some small success in Australia as Waikiki, then moved to England to play and record. One can hear the similarities between the two outfits due to the unmistakeable vocal style of Juanita Stein who moved in to play guitar in the newly-formed group. As well as changing their name and location, their sound changed from a guitar-pop based sound to a more dark rock sound. The Howling Bells released their first self-titled album with Bella Union in 2006 to rave reviews, and were also named as an up and coming act to watch by NME. This is their second album released under a different label Independiente, leading with the catchy single "Into the Chaos".
As an example...
"Radio Wars/Change the stationMmy digital heart/Is suddenly breaking/I'll never hear my favourite song again." - Digital Hearts
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Although the unmistakable talent of Juanita Stein and brother Joel is apparent once again on this album, it seems they haven't quite hit the nail on the head. While their last album showed glimmers of greatness, the follow-up fails to deliver anything more. Fans that favour the pop-rock side of their songs will still appreciate this album for what it is, yet those that were converted by their darker rock sound may be a little disappointed with this one.
What the others say
"Howling Bells seem to be facing an identity crisis over whether to appeal to the masses or a more niche market. If they are going for the latter they have failed completely. If shooting for the former they are going to have to ramp up their hooks. Because like it or hate it, even new-era Kings of Leon has memorable choruses." - wirelessbollinger.com
"Lead single Cities Burning Down is a fully realised pop gem, which is both dark and beautiful, full of allegory and laden with gilted guitars. The Bells' critically acclaimed self-titled debut, through Bella Union, received rave reviews in NME and Pitchfork, and this longplayer could help cement their position as pioneers of eerie indie." - musicweek.com
So is it any good?
In my eyes the Howling Bells were onto something good with their debut album. The best gloomy rock to come out of Australia since Nick Cave; a breath of fresh air away from all the aspiring Brit-indie style outfits that Australian bands seem to try to emulate all too often. This album signals a step away from this style, stepping into mainstream territory. It chooses to tone down the dark, angry atmosphere in favour of room-filling pop anthems. Although some fans may see this as a departure from their signature sound, their heartbroken lyrics and Juanita's eerie, yet sexy vocals will keep people listening and possibly win some new fans.
Regardless of this new sound, some tracks, including the singles Into the Chaos and Cities Burning Down are catchy enough to make this album a keeper. The second half of the album is definitely stronger and more definitive of the band's signature atmospheric rock. So skip to that half if you find yourself pining for the 'old stuff', as I did. In the end, albums don't win true fans 'til they make people feel something. Whilst the last album left me feeling like lighting a cigarette and walking onto the set of a black and white arthouse film, this latest offering left me feeling far less inspired. If their impressive live shows are anything to go buy, this album could sound a lot better in front of an audience.
6.5 /10
Gemma Alver
Another:
www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storycode=1036548
Text:
By Anita Awbi
For their sophomore album Radio Wars, the lush Aussie indie four-piece return with a more realised sound, bolder and brasher than before.
Juanita Stein’s eerily empty vocals swoop and soar as sliding guitars and piano flourishes enrich their sound.
Lead single Cities Burning Down is a fully realised pop gem, which is both dark and beautiful, full of allegory and laden with gilted guitars.
The Bells’ critically acclaimed self-titled debut, through Bella Union, received rave reviews in NME and Pitchfork, and this longplayer could help cement their position as pioneers of eerie indie.
More:
strangeglue.com/reviews/howling-bells-radio-wars
Text:
by Brad Kelly
Howling Bells do many things right. Each member knows their respective instrument well enough and they no doubt know the Indie Rock genre by heart. The music itself holds up over the duration (lulling in creativity in places) but overall, is an impressive LP.
Wouldn’t it be weird if albums were that easy to sum up?
As is with most music, a mini-synopsis is never enough to truly unearth the hidden potential or disappointments of an album. It takes a much deeper experience than that of face-value to respect a record and that’s where Radio Wars starts to look a little shabbier than first thought. It’s in no way a bad record, it just negates its initial impression with repeated listens.
Intro track Treasure Hunt is a fantastical dive into the contagious and keeps a metaphorical dark cloud looming above its equally metaphorical head throughout. Vocalist Juanita Stein never goes too far with her voice and adds another layer to the atmosphere. Second time round though, it’s a little less catchy than the initial listen and so on and so forth.
Many of the tracks on Radio Wars follow the same sort of trend, sometimes with greater intensity, sometimes with less. "Cities Burning Down" holds a brash chorus with quieter, laid back verses complete with percussion which follows the rhythm brilliantly. The bass permeates throughout the record, taking centre-stage in one moment before disappearing into the background the next. It’s audibly impressive and works well. For the first listen…
Much of the frustration spurs from repetition, not so much on the musical side but more in the vocal sector and overall tone of the music. The volume’s usually set to one level and remains uniformly constant during most sectors. It’s more discouraging than completely off-putting but neither is exactly a glowing recommendation.
Their sound is attractive and intelligent; the craftsmanship of the music on display is enough to garner some respect. Needless to say it's coherent stuff, yet mired by its intent to remain as serious as possible.
Howling Bells do many things right but there’s something wrong with everything one of them. Predictable choruses and a feeling of 'I’ve been here before' (English for 'Deja Vu') detract from the otherwise enjoyable content held on this shiny little disc. Nice title as well.
Rating: 6 / 10