Manchester Academy 4, 21 October 2006.

I understood that Manchester University had three Academy venues, so when I turned up to cover one of the most interesting bands to emerge in recent years I was surprised to discover that there is now an Academy 4. At Manchester University, the higher the number (Academy 1, 2, 3…) the smaller the venue, and I therefore expected a dingy and dim little place tucked away in the basement. Wrong! The modern venue had a capacity of around 500 and boasted a decent sized stage, with more than acceptable PA and lighting. The university has become an object lesson to all major higher education institutions on how to develop a thriving live music centre, and one that’s able to accommodate both major and minor acts.

Earlier this year an Australian band called The Howling Bells released a self-titled debut album that will undoubtedly feature strongly in our ‘albums of the year’ list for 2006. Juanita Stein (vocals and guitar), Joel Stein (guitars), Brendan Picchio (bass), and Glenn Moule (drums) come from Sydney, reside in London, and record on arguably the UK’s most eclectic and adventurous independent label, Bella Union. The band has a distinctive rock signature, write intelligent and emotion-packed songs, and sound great on record. But could the band replicate a superb album in the live arena?

By the time the band arrived on stage the virtually empty floor, that had greeted the two support acts, had filled to capacity. It never fails to amaze me how so many ‘underground’ acts can fill venues without airplay or major hype. It then took a few minutes for the band to confirm that it is indeed something rather special. Opening song The Bell Hit was an ideal opening gambit with its eerie guitar intro that immediately grabbed my attention, followed by Juanita’s easy and note-perfect vocal. The third song, Wishing Stone, with its pounding rhythm, wandering guitar riffs and another fantastic vocal performance, just blew me away. By song four, Across The Avenue, I was convinced that this cohesive four-piece is the most interesting indie rock band I have seen and heard all year. Juanita’s performed vocal cartwheels with so little apparent effort it was disconcerting! Add to pure vocal virtuosity a beguiling expressive quality and you have a lovely looking lady who was born to rock.

The darkness of previous songs was then replaced by Setting Sun, a highly accessible, lighter song tailor-made for the singles chart and including soaring, shrill guitar riffs, and a melody made in pop heaven. Brilliant! Velvet Girl followed the same optimistic, accessible trail and underlined the band’s ability to move and thrill without a lot of effort. The haunting In The Woods, blues rock Blessed Night, and gloriously mixed vibe of The Night Is Young followed in quick succession, a period in which Juanita exposed another aspect of her musical makeup – the natural ability to connect big-time with her audience.

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The contemplative, swaying I’m Not Afraid was next and as performed on the night became my album favourite. Hell, or was it the next superb song Broken Bones… You guessed it! Trying to pick a favourite from this great album is virtually impossible. A Ballad For Bleeding Hearts and Low Happening completed one of my favourite performances of 2006, and just to prove it I’m currently trying to catch their Liverpool show (less than a week later).

The Howling Bells have brought something fresh to the musical table; this is Cordon Bleu rock and an act that you simply must see and hear. As for the album, it may not have sold in the millions but it trounces just about every indie rock album released in 2006. The message is clear….