Can I state I’m overjoyed to be composing about the new Bell X1 album? The band was with a major label for a while, which indicated that to compose about it was to danger being sued, however they’ve considering that settled with Yep Roc, making them blog-friendly, as well as I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been with the band for a number of years now, having listened to “Flock,” their second record however the very first to be released right here in the U.S. of A., over as well as over again.
For those unfamiliar with the band, it’s simplest to compare the Irish lads to their a lot more popular contemporaries, Snow Patrol as well as Coldplay. Bell X1 have a bit bit of a rougher sound–they lack the big studio backing to make their work noise slick as well as glossy, as well as they are the much better for it. Unlike (especially) Coldplay, Bell X1 records noise like they’re being worked out in the studio. They have an organic, authentic feeling to them that makes them transcend simple listening or wallpaper. however it’s still difficult to compose about private tracks since the tunes flow together to produce a lot more of a mood than a collection of singles. particularly on this newer release. Previous Bell X1 albums did undoubtedly try to cull a few radio-friendly, catchy-riff songs, however they seem material right here to clear up into what they are finest at: producing sonic poems, sung in simple tones with the type of gentle music that encourages the mind to roam around the frequently provocative lyrics about “hearty dogs of chuch as well as state” as well as the “God of eagle, God of light, push[ing] us to the corner of our own life.” (Lyrics taken from “Blow Ins.”) The music may be mellow, however the words have a lot more in typical with U2.
Even the titles of Bell X1 tunes are touching as well as intimate: “Light catches Your Face,” “How Your Heart Is Wired,” “One String Harp” . . . The two a lot of single-like tunes, “The fantastic Defector” as well as “A much better Band” are a few of the best, a lot of hook-y tunes the band has ever created. Blue Lights on the runway seems to represent the band’s attempt to make the album it’s always to make. It seems unconcerned with polish as well as accessibility, and, as such is a true work of art. It’s their biggest work so far, in the occupation of a band that’s already done some quite fantastic work.
Unless 2009 supplies a significantly much better crop of records than the 10 years that have preceded it, there’s bit question that this will be one of the very best records of the year.
Buy it!
The fantastic Defector
BONUS MELLOW ROCKER COVERS!
Yellow (Coldplay cover)-Petra Haden as well as expense Frisell
Stay (Faraway So Close) (U2 Cover)-Smashing Pumpkins