Arms
by Bell X1
  • Record Label: Bellyup
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2016
User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
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  1. Ricko
    Feb 9, 2017
    8
    Where to start with this. Bell X1 started out in the early 00's with two excellent records that blended their own intelligent take on rock with a splash of country tinged folk. A group of multi instrumentalists who share song writing duties, Bell X1 albums and songs have more often than not sounded like a band effort rather individual efforts. This is the case more than ever on "Arms".Where to start with this. Bell X1 started out in the early 00's with two excellent records that blended their own intelligent take on rock with a splash of country tinged folk. A group of multi instrumentalists who share song writing duties, Bell X1 albums and songs have more often than not sounded like a band effort rather individual efforts. This is the case more than ever on "Arms". It's arguably the bands most challenging listen for their original fan base but as is often the case with challenging albums, the rewards are their for the patient and persistent. "Arms" does have traditional songs in a lyrical sense but the backing music is full of individual riffs, grooves and rhythms that crawl over each other to complete each track. I would say this is Bell X1's most layered album, the album that they've spent most time in the studio on. It's not a case of pressing record and playing the songs live. The records opens with the full on pop yet all over the place "Fail Again, Fail Better". A splendid opener that sets the tone nicely, coming in at the 2 and a half minute mark. There are no real hit singles present - "The Upswing" is catchy as hell but too mellow and slow. "Fake Memory" is too arty despite being addictive. Bell X1 have managed to survive for a decade and a half since their debut and in "Arms" have delivered their most accomplished work since 2005's "Flock".… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Mojo
    Jun 27, 2017
    80
    A humane and typically eclectic affair with winning flashes of eccentricity. [Aug 2017, p.92]
  2. Magnet
    Nov 16, 2016
    80
    The songs sound fresh and spontaneous, gull of a delicate passion. [No. 137, p.53]
  3. AllMusic
    Nov 16, 2016
    80
    On the whole comforting without seeming eager-to-please or, worse, becoming dull, Arms feels like a refresher of sorts, both for the band and for listeners.
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