Hard to believe, but it has been ten years since Howling Bells emerged from the ashes of Waikiki, and what a journey it has been. Still based in London, the Sydney-born outfit now sport a local bass player in Gary Daines. What they have retained, however, is that almost too-cool attitude that oozes from frontwoman Juanita Stein and into every punchy guitar riff and creeping bass line. This is a good thing – not many bands can pull it off.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about Howling Bells, it would be easy to sprout comparisons like Lana Del Rey in Your Love or First Aid Kit in Tornado. The truth of the matter is, Howling Bells came before any of these acts hit the airwaves and Juanita was simply ahead of the game. The band has held true to its drool-inducing indie sensibilities, which combine elements of alt-country, ambient pop, rock and blues. And gigwise was right in 2009 – Juanita really is one of the sexiest women in rock and her voice is code-word for addiction.
The album kicks off the rollercoaster with one of the most commercial-sounding tracks, Paris, before taking it up a notch with the jarring juxtaposition of Possessed. Keeping the listener on their toes, Your Love coasts along with an ode to the sensual rhythm of the Wild West. And be prepared for those heartstrings to be tugged in the layered composition riding gently below falsetto harmonies crooning, “Love doesn’t destroy, it creates.” Slow Burn is definitely a highlight, keep an ear out for that one.
While it doesn’t break the mould of what we’ve come to know and love from Howling Bells, Heartstrings reads deeper into what we know they’re capable of. A thoroughly enjoyable album that dips and rides in a way that plays tug-o-war with the listener; one minute you’re coasting, the next you’re in the clouds in a cacophony of harmonies (cue Original Sin). Juanita calls? You will definitely answer.
BY JEN WILSON
Best Track: Slow Burn
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: LANA DEL REY, THE DUKE SPIRIT, PJ HARVEY
In A Word: Slow-burner
