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With Flock, their third album but only the second to get a British release, Ireland's Bell X1 have unearthed the missing musical link - and it's marvellous.
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Bell X1 has set its aim high, the sky’s the limit, and Flock is right on target.
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Flock is a massive step forward musically. Paul Noonan's superb lyrics now have some powerful musical backing, throwing in all kinds of references from disco to funk and good old-fashioned rock.
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Lyrically, too, the album excels.
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Bell X1 don't fit comfortably into any of the pigeonholes of modern indie rock: more down to earth than Radiohead; more fun-loving than Coldplay; and too sophisticated to be lumped in with Franz Ferdinand. Bell X1 occupy a niche all of their own, and long may it continue.
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The rest of Flock, originally released in Ireland in 2006, shows a depth of musicality and imagination too great to serve simply as a sonic backdrop for the tired angst of southern California rich kids.
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Think Damien Rice fronting Coldplay minus the unabashed bombast--and reveal a future of nothing but promise.
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For a group with one of the most unmemorable band names ever, it's funny that it's their way with words that elevates them from wannabe status.
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Under The RadarWhile nothing on Flock will blow the listener away with its originality, there is something about the music that draws you in and captivates. [Winter 2008, p.80]
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Its debut U.S. set showcases its accessible modern rock and frontman Paul Noonan's ambitious lyrics.
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Noonan's lyrics can be cheeky or sweet, and that nicely offsets the sense of yearning and wanderlust. The latter part of the disc dissolves into too many atmospheric textures and loses focus, yet this doesn't obscure the band's musicality and charm.
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Beyond their catchy pop arrangements and well-composed melodies, the songs on Flock are just a good deal meatier and more likable than those of, say, Starsailor.
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The US debut of Damien Rice's former band turns sentimental mush into something palatable. [Mar 2008, p.97]
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On occasion, Noonan sets his sights on highbrow quarry, as in 'Reacharound,' which could pass for some unreleased Radiohead circa The Bends. But he’s at his best when he’s emphasizing accessibility over artiness.
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Hopefully, Canadian audiences won’t be fooled by the British hype, because Bell X1 don’t have what it takes to win over the Great White North.
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Bell X1 generically compartmentalize everything instead and end up with a record that doesn't even top the work of their former bandmate.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 14 out of 15
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Mixed: 0 out of 15
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Negative: 1 out of 15
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Nov 2, 2011
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EJMMar 4, 2008Sublime... See rocky took a lover.
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RoyO.Feb 25, 2008Painfully Great... amazing lyrics.