Into the Sky

Song: Into the Sky
Artist: Howling Bells
Album: The Loudest Engine










I've been really enjoying the Howling Bells third album, "The Loudest Engine" which was just released last month.  A mix of modern rock, psychedelia, country-rock, and goth. (Some have referred to their sound as Country Goth.)  They are an Australian band who formed in 2004 under the name Waikiki, but changed to Howling Bells when they moved to England and released their self-titled debut album.  Their second record, "Radio Wars" (2009) received mix reviews but garnered them more attention, getting them an opening slot on Coldplay's tour from that year.  The band consists of Glenn Moule (drums), Brendan Picchio (bass guitar), Joel Stein (lead guitar), and Joel's sister Juanita Stein (vocals, rhythm guitar.)


The band recorded "The Loudest Engine" last year in Las Vegas with The Killers bassist, Mark Stoermer producing.  It's a gritty, raw, jammy record... certainly not my usual thing, but I love Juanita Stein's sexy vocals (giving me a little Jenny Lewis) and the urgency of the music.  Apparently the sound of the record is much more a continuation of the sound of their debut, not the more electronic leanings of their second record. (I haven't heard either.)


The album starts right out the gate with the amazing "Charlatan" and doesn't let up.  I love second track "Into the Sky" and the almost Fleetwood Mac-ish "Don't Run." On the hard-driving "Live On."  she really sounds like Jenny Lewis.  Great record.


Enjoy.


Into the Sky

Don't Run

Live On (live)