Bell X1 – The Ribs Of A Broken Umbrella
Musing Paul Noonan led Irish outfit, Bell X1, has levelled out a little since starting out with a swooning melody splashed and reflective debut album (Neither Am I). This snippet from their fourth studio album lays out a growing gospel slant on top of well-polished instrumental backing, led by the rising keys of Marc Aubele.
Pitching their sound between the heartening pop of Hothouse Flowers and the mystical sun-kissed edge of Elbow, “The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella” bears out the continuing foraging nature and philosophy delving tendencies of these amiable Irish men.
Bell X1 – Blue Lights on the Runway
Looking for something mellow? Well Bell X1 has what you need. Not to say they aren’t coming at you hard with this new album, they definitely are. But it’s about as hard as a pillow fight, just to give you an idea of how mellow this mellow is. Right in time for Valentine’s Day the Scottish band Bell X1′s album “Blue Lights on the Runway” is a bit reminiscent of 90′s love songs. With simple drum patterns and a smooth vocals playing off of the harmonizing drum and bass, it’s the perfect album to listen to right before bed. No seriously, it is.
There’s no super high pitched notes, no abrupt screaming, heck I don’t even think there are guitar solos. Now, as monotone as this may sound, it is not boring, as long as you like listening to lyrics.
One of my Favorite songs from this album would be the first track “The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella.” The comparison of a man exposed to a broken umbrella, caught me first, as an English scholar, and then as a romantic, as the song speaks upon a man’s encounter with a woman he wants to meet again. It’s pretty epic, for a mellow love track. In all, “Blue Lights on the Runway” is exactly what you might imagine when you hear the alum title, cool, calm, relaxing, and ready to take you off into la-la land. I recommend it, you never know when you’ll need a midnight music masterpiece.
By Daniel Fairclough