About Howling Bells and ‘Strange Life’

Since their beginnings, breaking through with their acclaimed self-titled debut back in 2006 amidst a landscape of scrappy British indie and skinny-jeaned male dominance, the trio have always been something of an anomaly. They might have moved to the other side of the world in pursuit of the dreams that soon became a reality, playing at an NME Tour and then in stadiums supporting Coldplay whilst whipping up acclaim from the most credible ends of the music press. And they may have seen various members come and go, but Howling Bells’ hypnotic indie rock always stood apart from the pack and was very much a reflection of their unbreakable union. Influenced by the likes of Tom Waits and Sonic Youth, as well as Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Björk, their recipe created a heady, immersive stew – equal parts sepia-toned romance and gritty rock ‘n’ roll thrills.

‘Strange Life’ is both a vibrant document of and an exploratory testament to this alchemical magic. An album that harnesses the unique musical perspective that pricked up the music world’s ears back in their beginnings, but transposes it onto a lifetime’s more experience, ‘Strange Life’ is both familiar and new; a record that will unfurl like an old friend to long term fans whilst speaking in a language that only hard-won experience and a few more trips around the sun can understand. It is, suggests Juanita, a record about experience and wisdom. “If you’re not able to acknowledge the mistakes and the pain and make beautiful music out of it, then they’re left festering inside of you,” she says. “And I don’t ever want that to happen.”

The band’s first album since 2014’s ‘Heartstrings’, ‘Strange Life’ was recorded with the band’s long-time friend and collaborator, producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, Elbow) at his Agricultural Audio Studios.

“[A] narcotic mix of dream pop and gnarly indie guitar riffs. Their sound has not dated, nor has the vision dimmed. From the sonic maelstrom of “Sacred Land” to the swelling harmonies of “Angel”, there’s darkness and sunlight here and every shade in between.”

UNCUT

“Returning with Strange Life, their first record in 12 years, singularity is their strength. Howling Bells fit in better now than ever.” 

THE OBSERVER

“They have never been a band to chase trends and that’s what makes their return feel so timeless” 

CLASH

“It’s classic Howling Bells: moody, atmospheric yet uplifting” 

UNDER THE RADAR MAGAZINE

“Despite emerging in the early 2000s, the Australian trio feel well placed for the current 90s revival, thanks to a signature sound that blends ethereal and dreamy verses with swampy, Sonic Youth-style choruses. A reminder of how life’s bruises can often add a little hard-won wisdom to rock’s second acts.” 

CLASSIC POP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Channelling events occurring during their decade away – new motherhood; global meltdown – Strange Life’s hooky goth-grunge and dream-pop courts seismic impact. [The album] warrants recognition, Stein and co’s passion undimmed.”

MOJO ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Howling Bells’ upcoming live shows run as follows:

FEBRUARY UK IN-STORE SHOWS

Friday 13th February – Rough Trade Denmark Street – TICKETS
Saturday 14th February – Crash, Leeds – TICKETS
Sunday 15th February – Jacaranda, Liverpool – TICKETS
Monday 16th February – Truck, Oxford – TICKETS
Tuesday 17th February – Banquet, Kingston – TICKETS
Wednesday 18th February – Pie & Vinyl, Southsea (daytime) – TICKETS
+ Vinilo, Southampton (evening) – TICKETS
Thursday 19th February – Gatefield Sounds, Whitstable – TICKETS

MARCH/APRIL UK TOUR 

Thursday 12 March – Think Tank – Newcastle – TICKETS
Friday 13 March – King Tuts – Glasgow – TICKETS
Saturday 14 March – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds – TICKETS
Sunday 15 March – Deaf Institute – Manchester – TICKETS
Thursday 19 March – Bodega – Nottingham – TICKETS
Friday 20 March – Clwb Ifor Bach – Cardiff – TICKETS
Sunday 22 March – Wedgewood Rooms – Portsmouth – TICKETS
Tuesday 24 March – Oslo – London – TICKETS
Thursday 26 March – Fleece – Bristol – TICKETS
Friday 27 March – The Sugarmill – Stoke – TICKETS
Saturday 28 March – Hallamshire Hotel – Sheffield – TICKETS
Sunday 29 March – The Waterfront Studio – Norwich – TICKETS
Thursday 23 April – Alphabet – Brighton – TICKETS
Friday 24 April – Dead Wax – Birmingham – TICKETS