Howling Bells
Howling Bells | |
|---|---|
Howling Bells, The Tuning Fork, September 2014 From left to right: Joel Stein, Glenn Moule, Juanita Stein, Gary Daines | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Genres | Indie rock |
| Years active |
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| Labels | Bella Union, Liberation, Independiente, Play It Again Sam, Hostess, Nettwerk, Cooking Vinyl, Nude Records, Birthday Records |
| Spinoff of | Waikiki |
| Members | Juanita Stein Joel Stein Glenn Moule |
| Past members | Gary Daines Brendan Picchio |
| Website | ffm |
Howling Bells are an Australian indie rock band that formed in Sydney, New South Wales in 2004 and later relocated to the UK. The band obtained popularity following the release of its 2006 self-titled debut album. The band's current line-up consists of siblings Juanita (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Joel Stein (lead guitar), as well as drummer Glenn Moule. They are joined by bassist Jimi Wheelwright for live performances
Originally called Waikiki, the band changed its name and musical style preceding its move from Australia to England. Howling Bells' self-titled debut album was produced by Ken Nelson and released in 2006. The album charted in both the UK and Australia, and was included on several year-end lists. The band's next release, Radio Wars (2009), received mixed reviews, although it charted higher than its predecessor. Their third album, The Loudest Engine (2011), received largely favourable reviews but underperformed on the charts in comparison to the bands' two prior releases. Their fourth album, Heartstrings, was released in June 2014. A fifth, Strange Life, is slated for release in February 2026.
Howling Bells have described their sound as "melodic blues" and "country-goth." The band count acts such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix as influences, and have been compared to Mazzy Star and The Velvet Underground.