Radio Wars reviews

[blade]

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

[carpathian]

They really do seem to be at a crossroads in many ways. The shift is sound (not huge, but there) on the album, the glossier look and the different tack on the live shows. Part of me is glad they didn't make "First Album Part Two" but another part of me worries they'll end up neither fish nor flesh. Reading the odd review might mean it's that persons opinion but so many of them are realising the same thing that there really is something to it and it's quite obvious to many. Interesting times are ahead in the HB camp I think and as much as I love them I do worry a bit.

Still love the album though ;D;o)

[riseandfall]

I've won 2 dofferent promos on ebay and pre ordered it - im still excited (haven't downloaded it)!

I'm shocked though - how come so many reviews are out already? One was dated like the 6th Feb..

[tealovertoma]

Feb 18, 2009 13:23:39 GMT riseandfall said:

I've won 2 dofferent promos on ebay and pre ordered it - im still excited (haven't downloaded it)!

I'm shocked though - how come so many reviews are out already? One was dated like the 6th Feb..

Because the promo copies have been out since, like, forever. If I recall correctly the album leaked (from a promo copy) half December...

And having reviews out about a month before release is quite normal.

[riseandfall]

Fair enough - I just find it wierd - The Observer and the ilk usually do reviews the week before release.

[blade]

Here's another:

www.themusicmagazine.co.uk/reviews/albums/2559

by Rob Northcott
The Australian indie rockers return with their second album and expectation is understandably high after the success of the self-titled debut. Wide critical acclaim, including a 9/10 rating in NME, and extensive touring helped win them a loyal cult following in this country in 2006, along with a contract with UK label Independiente Records. This new release, Radio Wars, is sure to draw new listeners with its relaxed and often dreamy approach to the popular song.

There is a lot happening in this record – you can tell Howling Bells probably spend a lot of time honing their sound in the studio, fiddling with various guitar pedals and synthesizers and trying out new vocal harmonies to get it just so. However, despite all this activity, creating a vivid tapestry of different effects and timbres, you are never once distracted from Juanita Stein’s voice, and rightly so. Having her as the focal point of every song shows not only the strength of her wonderful voice but also her ability to construct many memorable, natural melodies. She sounds effortless, swooning from one note to another, and with no trace of a harsh Aussie twang snapping at your ears. Her talent is obvious, but regrettably there is not one moment on this record where she sounds like she is really going for it and truly showcasing her vocal abilities – it’s as if she might have recorded the entire album whilst lying in bed.

Perhaps it was an especially hot summer down under when Howling Bells started writing this collection of songs, as the album never seems to get out of third gear. This is demonstrated best by Let’s Be Kids, a tired sigh of a track which has Stein proposing “Let’s be kids again, life was so simple then”. The Australian sun would have been truly sapping the band of all their energy at this point. The yawning nature of many of these songs carries this album towards the shoe-gazing genre – there is indeed a wall-of-sound effect as none of the playing is especially elaborate or virtuosic, with suspended chords an ever-present feature courtesy of guitar or synth. Instrumental sections do not prompt guitar solos or anything remotely similar as Howling Bells fill their tunes with many repeated riffs and hooks.

Overall, this is the sort of album one might have on in the background whilst reading a book or chatting with friends – it is certainly pleasant and instantly likeable, with not one track appearing weaker than the others, but it is not captivating nor invigorating enough to distract you. Well worth a few listens, especially for Stein’s soothing voice, but it is not a record I will be returning to time and again.

6/10

[houdini]

what a bunch of walies that give 6/10 the album is f...n brilliant. its like when Dylan went electric, so the bells went shiny and threw in some major chords. UNCUT gave them 4/5 this cd and 2/5 the 1st cd so get over it, things change. They are brilliant and the hope of rock n roll, who else...? Bono??? get a toupe ol man

[blade]

Source:

www.audioscribbler.co.uk/reviews/9144

Text:
Howling Bells - Radio Wars
March 6, 2009 by Mark Reynolds
Howling Bells sauntered into the publicfs eye in 2006, a year which saw the release of their critically acclaimed debut album and tours in support of the likes of Placebo and The Killers.Returning to the limelight briefly last year, The Bells released a limited edition 7 single - eInto The Cahosf - and followed it up by supporting Mercury Rev on their UK tour. Now they are well and truly back and ready to release their sophomore effort Radio Wars.

One of the most consistent releases that year, their self-titled debut felt like a serious record but was pretty and poppy too, the whole album felt solid and finely crafted. Radio Wars has highs that surpass any of those found on their debut but equally has troughs of greater magnitude too.

Standout tracks include the aforementioned and dreamy eInto The Cahosf with itfs dizzying, swirling guitars and the album definitive eDigital Heartsf. With itfs pounding drums and catchy guitar lines it feels like itfs moving at a million miles an hour. But it has to be the outright rock simplicity of eCities Burning Downf that is truly the icing on the cake for this album. Sadly the midsection of the record drags a little and sticks out like a fat middle on an otherwise slender figure.

That said, itfs not all that noticeable and youfd be hard pressed to find a better follow up to a high quality debut album than this. The record feels bigger and urgent in some way, but itfs hard to put your finger on it. Itfs the same old Bells who are there with sweet and charming harmonies like eNightingalef for instance and dashes of shoegaze, seen in eTreasure Huntf, but therefs a lot more rock here than before too. It may be an obvious progression from them, but it sure is a finely executed one.

Radio Wars: 8/10



Source:
www.twistedear.com/index.php/Albums/Howling-Bells-Radio-Wars.html

Howling Bells - Radio Wars
Written by Graham Quinn
Brave New Dawn? Maybe....
Since 2006's acclaimed eponymous debut, Howling Bells have spent extensive time touring, which can do one of two things to a new band's sound, either cement them in a rut, or make them so resolutely sick of themselves they are desperate to leave some of themselves behind and embrace the new. There is some evidence to suggest the latter may be the case with Radio Wars. The touring schedule included slots supporting The Killers, Placebo and Snow Patrol, all manifestly different sounding propositions to the dark, elemental sounds of the band's debut. Also, Radio Wars is produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat, engineer to the likes of Air and Radiohead. So, what has all this done to that dark, elemental sound? In some ways broadened it, elevated it, given it a sense of space and adventure, oozing a confidence to move their sound on, secure in not leaving their fundamental identity behind, retaining a sense of invention and in no sense betraying a fear of pop. This means a record much less haunting and eerie on face value.

Opening tune Treasure Hunt is straight away clearly lighter of touch, less of the metallic, Velvets-y edge of previously, though is no less purposeful and uplifting as it delivers its 'we are the light that eminates....we are the world that radiates' manifesto ; more elusive rythmns, with synths underlining the guitar figures as they wend their way around the song, all bode well. Cities Burning Down emits Eno-esque atmospherics, with a touch of Pixies in the bassline, and It Ain't You is a gorgeous anti-love song ('you wont save me, you cant break me, yes its true, darlin' it ain't you'). Nightingale is all synths and handclaps, joined by lightly strummed acoustic, and a melancholic, rootsy electric guitar figure, which builds to a panoramic coda.

Yup, it all starts out very good, but badly sags in middle as the band seem to forget either who they are or what it was they wanted to achieve in the first place. All of a sudden they sound perfunctory and generic instead of scary and individual, swapping doomy for (day)dreamy, menace for meandering. They're not so much foraging through a murky, gothic landscape as idling through a set of indie-pop blueprints. Let's Be Kids for instance moves far too far the other way from everything the band are about. It is simple and airy, perfectly pleasant but everything they have so far avoided bringing to the table ; it goes nowhere and makes you feel, for the first time on the record, nothing. Things dont get much better with Golden Web and Ms.Bell's Song, and then we have Digital Hearts, which we have heard a gazillion times before. It contains lines about 'radio wars......a battle of sound' when Howling Bells were never about a battle or a war, it was about a perfectly poised mix ; this isn't even a fight at some points, its a blancmange.

The whole record is, once again, brilliantly and beautifully sung by Juanita Stein, who sings like Harriet Wheeler having spent time in some seedier, more grotesque places than the Thames Valley, but this girl could sing a semaphore handbook and leave you spellbound ; sometimes the songs are barely worthy of her presence. Is this running out of ideas, or having too many of them? I'm minded to think of the latter, as the album thankfully picks up towards the end, and finishes with more of the quality fare it began with, pushing the bloaty, disintersted middle section to the recesses of your mind.

Into the Chaos injects more purpose and pace again, with the guitar, bass and drums hermetically sealed, and is evocative and engaging instead of timid and uncertain , and closer How Long with its slightly out of step rythmn pattern, intoning backing vocals and brassy-sounding synths is brilliantly at odds with the let downs of earlier , and is at once sultry, sassy, enticing. Two thirds of a cracking record then, such a shame about the lost plot midway through - though not enough of a mis-step than to do anything but look forward to how Howling Bells continue their development.

3.5/5

[blade]

Another:

From:
www.indielondon.co.uk/Music-Review/howling-bells-radio-wars

Text:
Howling Bells - Radio Wars
Review by Jack Foley
IndieLondon Rating: 4 out of 5
ADMISSION… I’m a newcomer to Howling Bells, the Australian outfit that were tipped for greatness following the release of their eponymous debut album in 2006. So I had no expectation when listening to their long-awaited sophomore effort Radio Wars.

And judging by the reaction from some critics, I’m the lucky one. For while many have bemoaned the lack of progress, or even the backward step taken by Juanita Stein and co, I’ve whole-heartedly embraced the comeback. Radio Wars is a great listen, which builds on the success of the singles that have so far been named IndieLondon records of the week (Cities Burning Down and Into The Chaos).

Produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat and embracing elements of epic indie rock, shoegaze melancholia and a little psychedelia, it’s a gutsy return that should place them firmly in the public’s affection where their debut got largely overlooked in the throng of Arctic Monkeys mania.

First and foremost, Stein’s majestic vocals are the primary reason for tuning in. Their big, bold, sonically heightened and utterly distinctive. Yet she can trade the boldness for moments of tranquility and tenders, with songs like Nightingale providing a nice counter-balance to the bigger, more sprawling efforts such as Treasure Hunt.

There’s a hint, occasionally, of The Cardigans in some of her vocals, as well as the Divinyls at others… but they’re backed by some really stirring guitar work and backing vocals to enrich the overall sound.

Nightingale, for instance, augments the melancholy tenderness of Stein’s vocals with some haunting background vocals and imperious guitar work late on. It’s one of the album’s highlights outside of the singles.

Cities Burning Down, meanwhile, is just a really great piece of songwriting (and let’s say PJ Harvey-esque, vocally). It boasts a haunted, slow-burning, cinematic quality, and gradually builds into the smouldering, glittering anthem in waiting that it will soon be recognised as being.

Let’s Be Kids is another strong offering, reflecting what every adult probably secretly wishes, while Ms Bell’s Song is a lazy, hazy piece of folksy music, and Golden Web makes good use of a girl-boy vocal trade off and some sinister guitar loops and synths.

Closing track How Long draws things to a close in suitably impressive fashion to ensure that, for this critic at least, Howling Bells’ return is a resounding success.



And:

www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=162194

HOWLING BELLS - Radio Wars
Independiente
CD // £9.99
INDIE / ROCK / ALTERNATIVE
Released: Feb 2009
Catalogue Number: ISOM76CD
Returning with a stronger, richer sound Australian indie rockers Howling Bells might just be onto something this time around. The songs are a lot sturdier, the hooks far more forthcoming than previously, and they're at least as good looking as they were last time around, if not slightly more so. While 'Cities Burning Down' is the first single to be lifted from the album, there's probably a bit more mileage in something like 'It Ain't You' or 'Into The Chaos'. The production really helps the band flesh out their sound, which is a good thing, because other than Juanita Stein's voice (which recalls both Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays and Cortney Tidwell) there's not a lot going on here that you could single out as being "Howling Bells-y". You still get the sense that this is a band that could use just one great musician amongst their ranks who could take their music to the next level - the songwriting is certainly on its way, and the album itself sounds suitably massive, but you can't help but think that as a unit they haven't quite found the necessary magic that would make them something truly special.


Another:
www.new-magazine.co.uk/music/view/7526/Howling-Bells-Radio-Wars/

Text:
What you need to know… The Aussie rockers make a bid for the big time.

First impressions… If Howling Bells’ first album passed you by, don’t make the same mistake again. Deliciously dark and romantic, their epic songs are slightly gothic, but stay on the right side of cool! The recent single Cities Burning Down and the dreamy Golden Web are murky and mysterious, and a must for fans of moody indie sounds.

You’ll like this if you like… White Lies.

Our favourite track… Golden Web.

Did you know? The singer and the lead guitarist are siblings.

new! verdict… Moody and romantic stuff.

[blade]

I've posted quite a lot of reviews of Radio Wars here, mainly the good ones and the 'mixed' ones. I've also found three or four that really slated the album but I decided not to bother with these!

Radio Wars has really divided the critics. From what I've read, the ones who don't like it wanted The First Album Mark Two, while those who do like it either didn't hear the debut album, or did hear it and liked it but now realise that if a band stands still they get left behind, and are commending them for expanding their repertoire.

I must admit that, overall, I still prefer the first album but if I'd never heard that and came across Radio Wars as an album by a group I'd never heard before, I'd think, "Wow! This is brilliant!" That just shows how absolutely amazingly magnificently wonderfully stunningly superb the first album was!

[mike]

Today's Daily Mail.
"Blues-fuelled Sydney rockers Howling Bells edge towards the mainstream on an energetic second album that builds on their 2006 debut. Singer Juanita Stein breathless vocals evoke vintage Debbie Harry on Treasure Hunt while nodding towards the swagger of Garbage's Shirley Manson on Nightingale. The glossy approach of Lets Be Kids suits them well." 4/5

Roll on Sunday in Manchester !!

[blade]

See you there in Manchester... except I don't know what you look like!

[mattchew]

To blog writer, Paul, Radio Wars is the biggest disappointment of 2009...

letsgetcynical.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/dishonourable-mentions-the-years-biggest-disappointment-is/



(Backup)

[velvetgirl]

Dec 23, 2009 3:24:08 GMT mattchew said:

To blog writer, Paul, Radio Wars is the biggest disappointment of 2009...

letsgetcynical.wordpress.com/

Very subjective review - does not count for me...anyway thx for the link.