In its earlier incarnation as Juniper, the band that would become known as Bell X1 (then featuring singer Damien Rice) was universally accepted as Ireland's brightest musical prospect. Before their 1998 collapse, they were compared favorably with hometown heroes U2 and the Frames, and with the release of their third and most successful album to date, Flock, the same comparisons have begun to be heard again. With Flock, Bell X1 have stepped out of the shadow of their more illustrious former cohort; for the first time, Rice doesn't have a single writing credit, and the music has taken on more of a unique, identifiable sound from the post-Radiohead rock that typified their first two efforts. Flock opens with a bang, as the energetic pairing of "Reacharound" and single "Flame" clamor for attention with angular art rock riffs and smooth funk rhythms, respectively. That frontman Paul Noonan doubles as the band's studio drummer adds an interesting dimension to Bell X1's compositions, as demonstrated on "Bad Skin Day," where percussion turns the tables and becomes the lead instrument, relegating the soft acoustic guitar sequences to mere accompaniment. Flock's greatest accomplishment, however, is another of its singles. "Rocky Took a Lover," which forced its way onto radio long before it was officially considered as a single, and it's easy to see why: achingly simple in composition, "Rocky" imagines a conversation between a homeless couple: "[She said], 'You're such an asshole when you're drunk'/He said, 'At least I'm OK in the morning.'" Bell X1 don't fit comfortably into any of the pigeonholes of modern indie rock: more down to earth than Radiohead; more fun-loving than Coldplay; and too sophisticated to be lumped in with Franz Ferdinand. Bell X1 occupy a niche all of their own, and long may it continue.
Well, apparently Damien Rice used to be in Bell X1. Once I got over not caring - since I find Damien Rice to be overrated - I started listening. I found an improvement in this record over their past releases. Maybe because there's no Damien Rice, or because it reminds of a tame discotheque, or maybe because it's the perfect work music: catchy, uplifting, and obscure enough that my coworkers d...
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Yep Roc Records presents Bell X1, a band originally from Ireland now making a splash in the States.
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"Bell X1":http://mog.com/Bell_X1They're badasstacular. That is all.
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I am not feeling verbose today, not even in an e sense...plus I think this song speaks for itsefl quite nicely.'Rocky Took A Lover'He said 'I wanna shine in the eye of OrionBut I drove my soul through the Black Hole!'She said 'What a wonderful way to wake meYou weren't so nice last nightYou're such an asshole when you're drunk'He said 'At least I'm OK in the mornings'He said 'The three wise men...
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While a lot of record companies are under attack, I am digging the Yep Roc Records site.Not only do they provide full, free streams of their new CDs, when you buy the CD or downloads, you often get bonus tracks. The Yep Roc "My Stash" feature provides selected free download tracks, too.Stream BellX1's entire "Flock" Here:http://www.yeproc.com/artist_info.php?artistId=11735Granted, their artist...
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Who is Bell X1? Anyone know? I dig this track.....
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Well, apparently Damien Rice used to be in Bell X1. Once I got over not caring - since I find Damien Rice to be overrated - I started listening. I found an improvement in this record over their past releases. Maybe because there's no Damien Rice, or because it reminds of a tame discotheque, or maybe because it's the perfect work music: catchy, uplifting, and obscure enough that my coworkers d...
More >
After the success of the their US debut, Flock, Irish trio Bell X1 [Official, Myspace] are now primed to take on America with their most ambitious album to date. Landing somewhere a "little...
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Yep Roc Records presents Bell X1, a band originally from Ireland now making a splash in the States.
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Reacharound |
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| 2 Flame |
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| 3 Rocky Took a Lover |
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| 4 He Said She Said |
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| 5 Bad Skin Day |
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| 6 Natalie |
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| 7 Bigger Than Me |
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| 8 Just Like Mr. Benn |
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| 9 My First Born for a Song |
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| 10 Trampoline |
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| 11 Lamposts |
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 "Flock")
