Album Review

Howling Bells – Radio Wars

• 6th Mar 2009

Ever since Howling Bells débuted their atmospheric sound on the 2007 NME tour they seemed to have slipped off the radar. The band have now re-emerged with their new long player Radio Wars.

The reference points are still the same, you can hear echoes of The Cure’s twisted fairytale yarns on Spiderweb and Echo & The Bunnymen’s masterpiece, Ocean Rain, is a dominant influence throughout. Lead singer Juanita Stein’s enchanting voice captivates throughout album highlights like You Won’t Save Me. In a world where Editors and White Lies a hailed as the kings of a new wave of doom laden rock, surely there’s room for a female voice among the pack?

Radio Wars only suffers, ironically enough, from a lack of any stand out singles. With the album flows well as a whole, it’s hard to imagine any of the tracks dominating the airwaves. Although, it is sure to be greeted feverously and hailed as a success within their fanbase.