Howling Bells- Self Titled

This is the debut album for Howling Bells, released in 2006... or perhaps it is actually Waikiki's second album, since the band is largely the same, aside from an image change...

And said image change was worked a treat. Gone is the contrived pop blandness of Waikiki, replaced with a wonderfully moody musical tapestry.

The Bell Hit does a fine job as opening song. The verses do jump around a bit erratically, however the chorus is a fine pop offering. Similarly, The Night Is Young has some great moments, but it jumps all over the place, again interrupting the groove.

Velvet Girl steps up the game in regarded to verses. Their sparseness and haunting mood introduces a wonderful new element. All topped off with another nice catchy pop chorus. Blessed Night also follows this recipe to good effect.

The art of writing a catchy pop song was not lost in the transition from Waikiki to Howling Bells. Low Happening features a great riff, brilliant lyrics and could well have been written for Waikiki. Thankfully, though, the newfound character gives this song a new dimension. While the chorus doesn't really stand out in the song, I do appreciate how they used an unusual style for it.

To mention the recording quality, the character of the album is built on the wonderfully simple sound of the vocals, keyboard and guitar. It's not a big rock sound, but nor is it meant to be. Great work.

The exception, however, is Wishing Stone, which is drowning in too many effects and chaotic background voices. On a brighter note, I really enjoy the lyrics of the chorus.

A Ballad For The Bleeding Hearts is a brilliantly bare song. All I can say is that it's spine-tinglingly beautiful, and the bridge is a particular highlight.

The first verse of Setting Sun is pretty unimpressive. But then the chorus comes along, and all is forgiven! The following verses reveal it's all part of the plan, and it makes for a really interesting song.

Into The Woods really appeals to me, as far as the music goes. But I find the male vocals to be somehow spineless and annoying.

Just as The Bell Hit perfectly sets the scene as the first track, I'm Not Afraid is a great choice for finishing up the album. At the end of the journey, this gentle song leaves a lasting impression of serenity.

Favourite songs

Velvet Girl, Low Happening, A Ballad For The Bleeding Hearts, Setting Sun, I'm Not Afraid

Worthwhile?

Absolutely. The lead vocals have always been raw, honest and with great range. In this album, this voice has found a fitting home, amongst the moody mangrove scene set by the accompanying instruments.