Live Review

Howling Bells – O2 Academy Liverpool

• 20th Mar 2009

If proof was ever needed that girls know how to rock it was handed out in abundance tonight. With the all female-fronted line up of Chew Lips, The Joy Formidable and Howling Bells, the audience were definitely in for some “Girl Power”. Although, the award for most interesting use of a microwave has to go to The Joy Formidable.

So, with the smell of popcorn in the air, Howling Bells took to the stage and demanded your attention immediately. With Juanita’s haunting vocals floating over electrifying guitar riffs everyone was enthralled. Despite an energy dip mid-set things soon picked up again and the aging rockers watching even took part in a bit of crowd participation during Nightingale.

My personal highlights of the 13 song set included Treasure Hunt, Golden Web and the impressive guitar solo in Into The Chaos. We were played out with the magnificent Cities Burning Down, which would have marked a memorable end to an amazing show if it wasn’t for the disappointing encore.

Howling Bells managed to blow me away though and never fail to perform with a panache and atmosphere other bands can only dream of.