72-534: Howling Bells is the self-titled debut album by London-based Australian indie rock band Howling Bells . It was released through Bella Union in the UK on 8 May 2006. The album was produced, engineered, and mixed by Ken Nelson and recorded at Parr Street Studios, Liverpool, in early 2005. Howling Bells was predominantly written by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Juanita Stein , with the majority of its themes revolving around her relationships and feelings of affection. Most of
144-612: A Silver ACS Award for cinematography . "Low Happening" was re-issued in March 2007, where it served as the album's final single. A second music video for the song was produced to accommodate the release. It was filmed at the Barfly in Camden and directed by Dan Sully for Rebel Monk. NME placed it among the Top ;30 songs of 2007. That year, the single was included on the soundtrack for Rugby 08 ,
216-459: A greater emphasis on keyboards. Consequently, reviews were mixed. BBC Music claimed "the second chance may well have been squandered." Gigwise called it "an album of mashed-up half ideas." In a positive review, ABC described it as "anthemic, edgy, stomping indie rock at its best." It peaked in the Top 30 in Australia and just outside the Top 50 in the UK. Howling Bells headlined
288-543: A number of new songs and made a wish list of producers with whom they would like to work. In 2004, the band changed its name to Howling Bells, as its members felt that phrase better embodied its newly adapted indie rock style. I realised onstage one night that I wasn't into it. I didn't believe in what I was doing. I thought, how will [the audience] feel it if I can't? Demos of the new material were sent to British producer Ken Nelson ( Coldplay , Gomez ). The band members considered him to be an unattainable candidate as
360-483: A partnership with Birthday Records, a small, independent record label founded by former Kaiser Chiefs drummer, Nick Hodgson . Heartstrings was released worldwide in June 2014. The album received generally favourable reviews from music critics. NME rated it 7/10 and professed, "Howling Bells aren't back to their best, but they're within touching distance". Q magazine rated it 3/5 and commented, " Heartstrings lacks
432-467: A producer, but he responded favourably. Upon learning that he was interested in working with them, they moved to London. At the time, Nelson was occupied working with Coldplay. For eight to ten months, the band lived in adverse conditions in one room in a house in London. During this period, the members took up menial employment opportunities. Picchio sold double-glazing over the telephone. Moule worked in
504-402: A pub and in a car workshop, and Joel worked on a farm. Howling Bells waited for almost a year while Nelson worked on Coldplay's X&Y album. Frustrated by the unforeseen delay, they considered returning to Australia. However, in early 2005, Nelson became available, and they recorded their first album at Parr Street Studios, Liverpool. Howling Bells exhibited a brooding sound, and it
576-753: A review, "By turns beguiling and enthralling, this is an extraordinary album." Howling Bells peaked in the Top 100 of the UK Albums Chart and just outside the Top 50 of the Australian Albums Chart . At the time, it was the fastest selling album on the Bella Union label. The release appeared on Album of the Year lists for a number of different publications. In its 22 March 2007 issue, Rolling Stone named Howling Bells one of their three bands to watch out for that year. Howling Bells spent much of
648-1012: A tour of the UK in March 2009, supported by The Joy Formidable and Chew Lips . They played V Festival in Australia in April and were then invited to support Coldplay in May and June in North America. The band played more festivals in Europe, including Hop Farm , Hard Rock Calling , and Pukkelpop . They supported Coldplay again for three nights of their European leg in August and September. The group returned to Australia to write music for its third album and to tour in December. Howling Bells received much praise from bands they supported on tour. Coldplay's Chris Martin advised his audiences to download Howling Bells' song "Nightingale." In July, Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody named
720-439: A trio and released an EP , Presents , in 2000. In 2002, with a rhythm guitarist, they issued the Top 50 album I'm Already Home . With four members, the band then toured Australia and New Zealand. Shortly thereafter, Brendan Picchio joined Waikiki as a bassist, and Juanita switched to rhythm guitar. The group soon became dissatisfied with its material, so the members chose a new direction for their music. They wrote
792-455: A video game released by EA Sports . The lyrics for the album's second single, "Wishing Stone", were co-written by Juanita and Joel. First, Juanita wrote much of the song's verse. Then, Joel added the chorus melody, and she wrote the chords around that. Moule constructed the drum sequence and Picchio added the bass parts last. The music video for "Wishing Stone" was filmed in Berlin . "Blessed Night"
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#1733092351324864-660: A word of caution: "It veers close, however, to being too polished ... Howling Bells run the risk of being just picturesque melancholy." All lyrics are written by Juanita Stein except where shown Howling Bells Howling Bells are an Australian indie rock band that formed in Sydney in 2004. The band obtained popularity following the release of its 2006 self-titled debut album. The lineup consists of Juanita Stein (vocals, rhythm guitar), Glenn Moule (drums), Juanita's brother Joel Stein (lead guitar), and Gary Daines (bass guitar). Originally called Waikiki ,
936-404: Is Young" stole structural elements and the guitar conclusion of Coldplay's " Yellow ". However, he added that "the good ultimately outweighs the bad, making for a flawed but still satisfying debut." Emily Mackay of Playlouder compared the band with The Duke Spirit , Sons and Daughters and Tarnation , and she commented, "Howling Bells have crafted a unique, glossy, gothic gloom." She finished with
1008-420: Is talking less about innate feelings and more about the impact between myself or ourselves and the world around us. Howling Bells parted ways with Bella Union and, in 2008, signed a deal with record label Independiente . The band worked with producer and mixer Dan Grech-Marguerat ( Radiohead , Paul McCartney ) and recorded its follow-up album, Radio Wars , at several different recording studios. At times,
1080-521: Is the son of the late arranger and composer Ivor Raymonde . He is best known as the bass guitarist and keyboard player with the Scottish band Cocteau Twins from 1983 to 1997. Raymonde now runs the Bella Union record label and management company Bella Union Artist Management. Raymonde has acted as producer and mixer on many records, including Clearlake 's Cedars , James Yorkston 's Moving Up Country ,
1152-601: The Australian Singles Chart . It surfaced for two weeks, where it peaked at no. 76. The song's lyrics were written solely by Juanita. It was the first Howling Bells song she ever wrote, and it is about a dysfunctional relationship. The music video that accompanied "Low Happening" was directed by Josh Logue for Mathematics and was shot at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. Its director of photography, Francesco Biffone, won
1224-553: The X&;Y sessions was still in the facility when Howling Bells arrived. They recorded Howling Bells in two to three months, with all the main vocal and instrument tracking done in real time, as if in a live setting. This was a staple of Nelson's recording approach. Due to the personal significance of her songs, Juanita had the studio lights turned off in order to make the recording experience feel more private. The band appreciated Nelson's techniques and studio abilities. They stated that he
1296-530: The 2007 Mercury Music Prize , and the album The Texas-Jerusalem Crossroads by Lift to Experience . Raymonde remixed tracks for Archive , Tristeza and Departure Lounge . Raymonde's memoir In One Ear: Cocteau Twins, Ivor Raymonde and Me was released on 12 September 2024. Raymonde began his career as bassist for London-based post-punk band Drowning Craze , who released three singles on Situation 2 : "Storage Case" (1981), "Trance" (1981) and "Heat" (1982). In 1984, Raymonde joined Cocteau Twins, filling
1368-655: The Jesus and Mary Chain ), called Lost Horizons. Their album, Ojalá , was released on Bella Union in November 2017. The album was named Rough Trade "Album of the Month"; following this, the band were invited by Perfume Genius to be part of the Le Guess Who festival in Utrecht. In 2018, Bella Union released two double albums celebrating the work of Raymonde's late father, Ivor, who worked with
1440-603: The Killers-owned Battle Born Studios in Las Vegas. It was produced by bassist Mark Stoermer , whom the group had met while it toured with The Killers. The relationship between Stoermer and Howling Bells strengthened after the band disembarked from its flight to Las Vegas. The flight had been delayed by more than 12 hours, but he had nonetheless waited for them at the airport. Howling Bells were impressed by his style of work. Rather than overproducing, he kept
1512-482: The Lights Fade (2018) and Snapshot (2020). In January 2022, the band reunited to perform their debut album in its entirety at a series of live gigs at various venues throughout the UK, including Brighton, Manchester and London. Members of Howling Bells cited The Beatles , Charles Mingus , Peter Green , Vinnie Colaiuta , and Jimi Hendrix as influences. The catalyst for the change from Waikiki to Howling Bells
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#17330923513241584-478: The UK and Australia. The band supported Coldplay on the third leg of the North American Viva la Vida Tour . In 2009, Gigwise named Juanita Stein "the sexiest woman in rock." Their third album, The Loudest Engine (2011), received largely favourable reviews but underperformed on the charts in comparison to the bands' two prior releases. In 2011, original Howling Bells bass guitarist, Brendan Picchio, left
1656-561: The UK with Editors . The group played extensive UK club shows with many artists, including The Young Knives and Hank & Lily. Howling Bells also played Camden Crawl and the 2006 NME New Music Tour . The album was released in May 2006 in the United Kingdom on the Bella Union label and in Australia in July through Liberation . It received critical acclaim, including a perfect 5/5 from musicOMH . NME rated it 9/10 and wrote in
1728-631: The Walker Brothers , David Bowie , Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield , among others. In 2018, Simon and his wife, Abbey Raymonde, started the management side of Bella Union, working with Brighton-based Penelope Isles. In March 2022, Bella Union celebrated its 25th anniversary in Austin at SXSW festival with around 15 bands performing across two stages at the legendary MOHAWK venue, then in May 2022 Simon and his fellow Cocteau Twins Elizabeth and Robin received an Ivors Academy 's Visionary Award. In 2023,
1800-486: The album in which Juanita wrote not about a personal experience but about her feelings on the universe in general. The music video for "Setting Sun" was shot at the Coronet Theatre in London. It, too, was directed by Dan Fernbach for Static. The music publication NME placed "Setting Sun" among the top 50 songs of 2006. "Broken Bones" is one of seven songs from the album whose lyrics were written solely by Juanita. It
1872-507: The album was "a truly special debut by a truly special band, and you should let it start seeping into your consciousness now." Richard Hughes of CD Times drew comparisons to My Bloody Valentine , PJ Harvey and a David Lynch movie soundtrack. He warned, "You'll find yourself following their path down the dark side of rock 'n roll." Less favourable reviews came from David Renshaw of Wears the Trousers Magazine , who said, "Occasionally,
1944-402: The album. Their goals were to make a different kind of record by exploring other genres of music and to create something more insightful and futuristic. Not unlike the first record, Radio Wars contained elements of dark subject matter. "Cities Burning Down," the darkest track from the album, was a song that Juanita and Moule wrote together. Its lyrics were inspired by the apocalyptic sound of
2016-555: The amount of takes to a minimum and allowed the band just to play, which kept the sessions very natural. The band members became less conscious of trying to please other people, made the record that they wanted, and hoped that it would change people's attitudes toward the band. The Loudest Engine was first issued in Australia in September 2011. The album received mostly favourable reviews from music critics, but it did receive its share of negative response as well. Mojo magazine rated
2088-403: The band and was eventually replaced with Gary Daines. Heartstrings materialized following a brief hiatus by Howling Bells, whereupon the band members worked on other projects. Additionally, Juanita became a first-time mother after giving birth. This, along with frustration from the long period of inactivity and creation inspired her and she started to write songs again, at which point she got
2160-466: The band changed its name and musical style preceding its move from Australia to England. Howling Bells' debut album, Howling Bells , was produced by Ken Nelson . The album charted in the Top 100 in the UK and just outside the Top 50 in Australia, and it was included on Album of the Year lists for a number of publications. The band's next release, Radio Wars (2009), received mixed reviews, although it charted higher than its predecessor in both
2232-484: The band members opted to assume an indie rock identity and changed their name to Howling Bells. The group began to perform material from Howling Bells while still called Waikiki. The majority of the lyrical subject matter centres on Juanita's own interpersonal relationships. She wrote some songs about the loss felt through ending relationships and others about forming new romance. Afterward, drummer Glenn Moule, guitarist Joel Stein, and bass guitarist Brendan Picchio arranged
Howling Bells (album) - Misplaced Pages Continue
2304-817: The band toured extensively. They played club shows in Australia and in North America. Howling Bells toured Europe and the UK with Editors and The Cinematics . They procured club dates with many artists, including The Slits , The Kooks and ¡Forward, Russia! . The group played at emerging artist events, Camden Crawl, and the NME New Music Tour . After the release of the album, Howling Bells toured heavily, performing at clubs and in various festivals. They played at Bella Union's tenth anniversary party and supported various artists, including Placebo , Snow Patrol and The Killers . Attendance at their shows steadily increased during this period, during which they went from having small audiences to selling out venues. Howling Bells
2376-443: The band's inactivity as "an unplanned hiatus" while also announcing her launch of a solo career. The band played their final show to date at the 2017 Margate Wonderland festival at Dreamland Margate , alongside The Kills and Carl Barât . In November 2017, Joel Stein's solo project, Glassmaps, released Strangely Addicted , their debut album. Juanita Stein has released solo albums of her own, including America (2017), Until
2448-465: The band. Their fourth album, Heartstrings , was released in June 2014. Howling Bells have been labelled as "melodic blues" and "country-goth." They were influenced by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix , and were often compared to Mazzy Star and The Velvet Underground . In 1999, Glenn Moule, Joel Stein, and Juanita Stein formed the pop rock group Waikiki. They toured the Australian eastern states as
2520-748: The board at the Association of Independent Music in 2013, and has spoken regularly around the world about his experiences in the industry. He presented a weekend workshop with music students at QUT in Brisbane , and has also done master classes at Middlesex University , BIMM and the Academy of Contemporary Music at UCO in Oklahoma City . He served as the keynote speaker at Big Sound in Australia, Going Global in New Zealand and Norwich 's Sound & Vision (where he
2592-470: The documentary film Scott Walker: 30 Century Man . In 2009, Raymonde formed the group Snowbird with Stephanie Dosen . Bella Union was named the Best Independent Label of the Year in 2010, as voted by the UK's indie retailers, and later won this award again in 2012, 2014 and 2016. In 2011, he was asked to be the music supervisor for Jonathan Caouette 's documentary Walk Away Renee , which
2664-654: The first two albums by John Grant's first band the Czars , three albums by the Duke Spirit including the hit album Cuts Across the Land , Archie Bronson Outfit 's "Kangaroo Heart", Anthony Reynolds ' "Just So You Know" and the Open 's Silent Hours . He co-produced the posthumous album from Billy Mackenzie . He also mixed the Fionn Regan album The End of History , which was nominated for
2736-463: The first two weeks, and by October, 25,000 copies had been sold. In a competition that is artist or label self-nominated, Howling Bells was one of nine finalists out nearly 200 nominees for the 2006 Australian Music Prize Award (AMP). The eventual winner was Moo, You Bloody Choir by Augie March . A panel of entertainment industry members and journalists nominated Howling Bells for the 2006 Shortlist Music Prize . The eventual winner of that award
2808-583: The group as his "Band of the Week" in Q magazine. Juanita made the decision to develop her on-stage persona in 2008 and 2009. She became more confident, animated, and outgoing in her interactions with the audience and in her choice of clothes and hairstyles. In March 2009, Gigwise proclaimed her "the sexiest woman in rock." She also placed among the top ten of Clash magazine's "Top Woman of 2009" list. Howling Bells began writing material for The Loudest Engine in mid–2009, and expressed hope that 2010 would see
2880-404: The group's gothic characterization. For [critics] to romanticize this sense of darkness ... It’s just the music we like. The style of Howling Bells was greatly influenced by film. The Steins and Picchio have expressed admiration of French films in particular. Juanita has stated that she enjoyed bringing the strange and ethereal energy from those films into their music. To describe
2952-410: The killer song that would bring Howling Bells the success they undoubtedly crave". The album failed to chart in any nation. Howling Bells headlined shows throughout the UK in May and June. They played V Festival in the UK in August and a short series of shows in Australia and New Zealand in September. The band became largely inactive through 2015 and 2016. In a Facebook post, Juanita Stein described
Howling Bells (album) - Misplaced Pages Continue
3024-452: The members found it difficult to work with their new producer. However, they have stated that in retrospect, they learned a great deal from him and felt fortunate for having the experience of collaborating with him. Radio Wars was first released in the UK in March 2009, and it appeared in several other countries shortly thereafter. The album signalled a change in direction. The band's music had become brighter and more accessible and placed
3096-409: The members watched just before beginning to record The Loudest Engine . Heartstrings , like the first record, was very much influenced by film, and is recognized for its cinematic quality. Juanita indicated that they deliberately made the album to sound like a soundtrack to a movie. Howling Bells along with the production team watched Paris, Texas and Blue Velvet , in an effort to replicate
3168-429: The mood, emotion, and atmosphere of these two films in particular. Other films that played a significant role in the making of Heartstrings include, Badlands , Bonnie and Clyde , Klute , Léon: The Professional , Nashville , Pleasantville , The Last Picture Show , and Vivre sa vie . Simon Raymonde Simon Philip Raymonde (born 3 April 1962) is an English musician and record producer. He
3240-505: The music and not for only its commercial viability. They also signed with Liberation to release the album in Australia. After a year, the band left Bella Union, with whom it had a one-record only contract agreement. In 2008, Howling Bells signed to work with Independiente and released their follow-up album, Radio Wars , through that label. After signing a deal with Nettwerk Music Group , Radio Wars became Howling Bells' first album released in North America. The release of Howling Bells
3312-405: The music around her words. We wanted to let the music breathe and get away from our urban environment, so we tracked down this beautiful house. The band found a country house in the mountains of Victoria , where they spent a month creating demo tracks for the album. "Broken Bones" and "Blessed Night" were the only two tracks not to be demoed in Australia. "I'm Not Afraid", the album's last track,
3384-408: The music of Hope Sandoval . He went on to say, "A debut album couldn't be more sophisticated if it wore a beret and smoked filterless French cigarettes while reading Rimbaud by candlelight." Chris Waugh of ILikeMusic admired Joel's guitar playing, calling it "brilliantly inventive." He also praised the band's ability to write what he called "brooding and killer" verses and choruses. He ended by saying
3456-597: The music, which they created first. The Loudest Engine features a sound adapted to the genres of folk and rock, more so than the previous two Howling Bells records. Juanita explained that the band relied less on the sound technology that was prominent in Radio Wars , instead returning to the more organic state of Howling Bells . For the new album, Joel was inspired by prog rock and krautrock acts such as Amon Düül and Aphrodite's Child . Howling Bells were inspired by The Doors documentary When You're Strange , which
3528-511: The next two years touring the UK, Europe, Australia, and the US. They played at the 2007 NME Awards Show. They performed at numerous festivals during the northern hemisphere's summer months in 2006 and 2007, including Reading and Leeds and Latitude . They supported Placebo in Europe and Australia and The Futureheads in the UK. The band also supported Mercury Rev , Snow Patrol , and The Killers across three different continents. This album
3600-484: The other members of the band involved. They made demos and sent them out to prospective producers, one being Alan Moulder ( Nine Inch Nails , The Smashing Pumpkins ). Moulder was busy at the time so he recommended that the band contact an assistant of his, Catherine J. Marks ( Foals , The Killers), who after meeting, Howling Bells chose to produce the album. In November 2013, Howling Bells recorded Heartstrings at Assault & Battery Studios , in London. The album
3672-568: The recording of Howling Bells was repeatedly delayed because Coldplay was dissatisfied with its studio sessions. In the meantime, to support themselves, the members of Howling Bells took up temporary work. Eight to ten months after their arrival in England, Nelson contacted them with the news that he would soon be ready to record. In early 2005, the band started recording Howling Bells at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool. Some of Coldplay's equipment from
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#17330923513243744-529: The release 8/10 and praised it as the band's finest album to date. On the opposite end of the spectrum, NME rated it 2/10 and claimed that it "[fell] flat in a puddle of MOR ." The Loudest Engine charted in both the UK and Australia. To coincide with the release of the album, Howling Bells played a short six-date tour of the UK. In November, they supported Elbow in Europe, and later that month they returned to Australia, where they headlined shows in December. Following this, bass guitarist Brendan Picchio left
3816-492: The release of the album, but it did not. Juanita labelled the band's new writing as "real organic, real jammy ... very melodic, but very raw." They played new material during their December 2009 Australian tour. One critic described it as "a more rollicking, rock and roll approach." In 2010, the band severed its partnership with Independiente and later negotiated a contract agreement with Cooking Vinyl . In September 2010, Howling Bells started recording The Loudest Engine at
3888-413: The songs are repetitive, and with summer supposedly in full swing, this album is not one for the barbeque." However, he added that the band possesses the unique ability to transport the listener to another world. Tim DiGravina of Allmusic wrote that "shallow subject matter, often goofy rhyming lyrics, and a heavy-handed use of falsetto sometimes sidetracks the album as a whole." He also argued that "The Night
3960-539: The songs were demoed in Australia but all were recorded in England, as the band relocated there to work with Ken Nelson. Five singles were released from the album, four of which appeared on the UK Singles Chart . The album peaked in the Top 100 in the UK and just outside the Top 50 in Australia. It was, at the time, the fastest-selling album on the Bella Union label, and it appeared on album-of-the-year lists in eight different publications. In 2006, Howling Bells
4032-462: The sound of Howling Bells' debut album, critics used terms like dark, brooding, and Americana. NME described it as "the sound of PJ Harvey hitching a ride with The Velvet Underground through Twin Peaks." The second album, Radio Wars , in which the band experimented with synthesizers and drum machines , had a more electronic pop sound. They also incorporated arrangements of string and brass into
4104-423: The void left by the departed bassist Will Heggie . He remained as a core writer in the band until its dissolution in 1997. As well as his work with Cocteau Twins, he also contributed to the first two albums by This Mortal Coil , another 4AD project. Raymonde's debut solo album, Blame Someone Else , was released on 6 October 1997, and featured Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins. In 2007, he made an appearance in
4176-517: Was The Greatest by Cat Power . Howling Bells appeared on album of the year lists in multiple publications. It also received a spot on a Top 66 Albums of 2000–2006 list. Retail outlet Piccadilly Records placed it in the Top 20 of its end-of-the-year list. Howling Bells was met with overall positive reviews from music critics. It was recognised for its effective combination of elements of pop, country, blues and rock. Niall O'Keeffe of Yahoo! Music noted its depth and range and compared it to
4248-634: Was Juanita and Joel's trip to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in Australia. They saw this band shrouded in red lights, and it created an atmosphere that inspired them to alter their musical direction. The band's style has been compared to that of Siouxsie and the Banshees , PJ Harvey , The Velvet Underground , Nick Cave , Mazzy Star , and The Duke Spirit . Stein has cited female singers such as Siouxsie Sioux , PJ Harvey, Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry . Their music has been called folk rock , melodic blues, and country - goth . Juanita disagrees with
4320-401: Was a departure from the poppier style of music demonstrated by Waikiki. The long delay and the experience of a cold British winter had affected the tone of their music. By July 2005, the band was not yet signed to a record label. Howling Bells toured for ten months prior to the release of the album. They played sporadically in clubs in Australia and North America, and they toured Europe and
4392-616: Was a finalist for the Australian Music Prize and a nominee for the Shortlist Music Prize . The 12-track set features a wide array of music styles, including rock, pop, country, folk, and blues. Howling Bells performed at numerous club shows and festivals around the world to promote the album. They supported various artists, including Editors , Mercury Rev , Placebo , Snow Patrol , and the Killers . In general, Howling Bells
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#17330923513244464-627: Was accepted for the Cannes Film Festival and released in May 2013. In 2012, Bella Union celebrated its 15th year, and the label was asked to host and curate the Friday line-up at the End of the Road Festival that September. Between 2012–2015, Raymonde presented a show on Amazing Radio on Monday evenings, and has stood in for John Kennedy on his Xposure show on Radio X . He was vice-chairman of
4536-479: Was also responsible for the illustration and design of Howling Bells' website at the time. While looking through an art design magazine, Juanita came across a page that had Rantanen's artwork on it. She recognised it to be a reflection of the Howling Bells sound, so she sent him a copy of the album, and he designed illustrations for it based on his interpretation of the music. Prior to the release of Howling Bells ,
4608-462: Was great sonically and very adept at de-emphasising some songs that they had initially approached overzealously. They also expressed that they felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the award-winning producer. As of July 2005, Howling Bells were not yet signed to a label. An associate of the band passed a copy of the album to Simon Raymonde , co-founder of Bella Union. Howling Bells signed to that label because of its genuine concern for
4680-426: Was interviewed by John Robb ). On 27 January 2014, he released his first music in 17 years, with the band Snowbird. Their album Moon was issued as a vinyl package with one black vinyl and one white vinyl, with artwork designed by Vaughan Oliver and a bonus electronic dub remix album by RxGibbs called Luna . In summer 2015, he started a new musical project with musician Richard Thomas (formerly of Dif Juz and
4752-421: Was preceded by three singles, "Low Happening" (December 2005), "Wishing Stone" (February 2006), and "Blessed Night" (May 2006). A total of five singles were released from the album, which included "Low Happening" being issued twice. Four of the album's singles appeared on the UK Singles Chart , but none reached the Top 100. Lead single "Low Happening" was the only single released from the album that appeared on
4824-492: Was primarily produced by Marks, but Moulder supported the effort and was given credit as co-producer. Marks set the tone of the environment in the recording studio and the band felt extremely open and comfortable in her presence. Her female nature was credited with her ability to elicit exceptional performances from the band, more so than any of her record producer counterparts who worked with Howling Bells previously. The band moved on from former label Cooking Vinyl and established
4896-567: Was received extremely well by music critics. Those who reviewed it less favourably argued that the album's content was superficial and that the songs were repetitive at times. Most of the song lyrics on Howling Bells were written by Juanita Stein when she took time off from the band's previous incarnation, the Sydney-based pop rock group Waikiki . All members of Howling Bells were also in Waikiki. After growing discontent with their pop rock sound,
4968-445: Was released on 8 May 2006 in the United Kingdom through Bella Union and on 1 July in Australia through Liberation. It appeared for two weeks on the UK Albums Chart , where it peaked in the Top 100. It also appeared for two weeks on the Australian Albums Chart , where it peaked just outside the Top 50. The release was, at the time, officially declared the fastest selling album on the Bella Union label. It sold 8,000 copies within
5040-495: Was rumoured to have been released as a single in Australia, but there is no evidence to suggest that it was issued on a physical medium. Nevertheless, a video was made for the song and was filmed in New Zealand during the first week of October 2006. It was directed by Adam Jones for Zoomslide. Finnish -born graphic artist Mikko Rantanen created all the album's artwork and the single covers for "Low Happening" and "Blessed Night". He
5112-463: Was the third single released from Howling Bells , and it was also co-written by Juanita and Joel. The accompanying music video was shot from inside a 1976 Buick LeSabre Custom Coupe. The filming took place in Weybridge , Surrey , under the direction of Dan Fernbach for Static Films. The album's fourth single, "Setting Sun" (September 2006), was co-written by Juanita and Picchio. It is the only song from
5184-586: Was written by Peter Stein (Joel and Juanita's father), who is also a songwriter and musician. After hearing Coldplay 's A Rush of Blood to the Head , they agreed that was how they wanted their album to sound. They sent demos to Ken Nelson , who was responsible for producing A Rush of Blood to the Head . Nelson soon responded, stating that he would be interested in working with them. With little financial security, they relocated to London and waited for Nelson to finish production on Coldplay's X&Y . The start date of
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