Albums: Strange Life

 

The first full-length release from Australian indie rock trio Howling Bells since 2014's Heartstrings was produced by Ben Hillier, and a welcome return for an underrated band such as this.

"Strange Life" marks a triumphant return for Howling Bells, some 12 years after their last album. And amid distorted, squalling guitars, thunderous riffs and swooning harmonies, the Australian indie-rock trio contemplate past regrets and their lives as working musicians. Full of sweeping, psychedelic melodrama and dark romance, the album’s quieter moments also deliver an abrasive update to the ‘60s girl group sound.

The band, who found success in the UK in 2004, reconnected first via a tour to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut release before quickly starting work on new material. Solo projects and parenthood during a decade of seismic global political and societal changes have left vocalist-guitarist Juanita Stein, her brother, guitarist Joel Stein, and drummer Glenn Moule older and wiser but still possessing the fire and spirit of their early years. 

The album's title references not just that changed world but celebrates what they call the power and alchemic magic between the trio and a “constant drive to want to take it further. That theme of being lost in the dream of making it as a musician is explored in the opening track and lead single "Unbroken", while the defiant, grungy "Heavy Lifting" acknowledges years of tireless hard work, paying your dues and the resilience and confidence you gain. The explosive anti-war song "Sacred Land" is considered the album's most political moment, confronting Australia's dark past and the tragic plight of its indigenous people. There are some dreamier moments such as "Angel",  "Looking Glass" and "Dreamer" are equally effective too, while the shimmering and brilliant "Chimera" is particularly beautiful and your host personal favourite.

There is the bittersweet '90s pop song "Melbourne", reminiscent of The Sundays that marks the album's key moment. It finds Juanita returning to Australia on a solo tour, missing the smell of Eucalyptus trees, but discovering the city she knew has changed now that everyone's moved away. It was here she took a call to say her father's health had deteriorated. Weighed down both with grief and an unused suitcase full of tour merch, she attempts to book an emergency flight back to London, uncertain whether she will ever return. The penultimate track, "Sweet Relief", represent the album's weakest moment, a plodding glam rock number.

 

Strange Life Track List:  

 

1. Unbroken

2. Heavy Lifting

3. Angel

4. Looking Glass

5. Sacred Land

6. Halfway Home

7. Melbourne

8. Dreamer

9. Chimera

10. Sweet Relief

11. Light Touch