Howling Bells are an indie rock band that formed in Sydney in 2004. The band obtained moderate popularity in the United Kingdom following the release of its 2006 self-titled debut album. The lineup consists of Glenn Moule (drums), Joel Stein (lead guitar), and Joel's sister Juanita Stein (vocals, rhythm guitar).
Originally called Waikiki, 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 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."
Howling Bells are notable for a doom-and-gloom, country-and-rock music style, and they have been labelled as melodic blues and country-goth. They are influenced by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, and they are often compared to Mazzy Star and The Velvet Underground. Their third album, The Loudest Engine, was released in September 2011.
Read more about Howling Bells: Influences and Musical Style, Discography
Famous quotes containing the words howling and/or bells:
“Earth’s a howling wilderness,
Truculent with fraud and force.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“You owe me ten shillings,
Say the bells of St. Helen’s.
When will you pay me?
Say the bells of Old Bailey.
When I grow rich,
Say the bells of Shoreditch.
Pray when will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.
I am sure I don’t know,
Says the great bell of Bow.”
—Unknown. The Bells of London (l. 13–22)