BELL X1

Blue Lights on the Runway

2009-04-13

Bell X1, named after the first supersonic airplane, is an Irish band. They were originally known as Juniper and included Damien Rice as a member. This is their fourth studio album and their sound has changed a bit since Mr. Rice's leaving. Their sound has been compared to that of Talking Heads. I don't buy the comparison, unless you are talking about the track, "The Great Defector". As the lead single from the album, it offers a lot of similarities, right down to the David Byrne-sounding vocals of Paul Noonan. Otherwise, this is electronic-infused pop with the best songs being the upbeat "A Better Band" and "Breastfed". "Amelia" is a good one as well, it being about none other than Amelia Earhart. The liner notes mention the ballad, "Light Catches Your Face", as a focus track that was once featured on a television show called One Tree Hill. Reviewed by Rebecca Ruth.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 03/2012

    SNOW PATROL
    Fallen Empires

  • reviewed 11/2009

    ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN
    The Fountain

  • reviewed 06/2017

    Wendy Colonna
    No Moment But Now

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Aimee Mann
    The Forgotten Arm

  • reviewed 02/2007

    THE SPARES
    Beautiful and Treacherous Thing

  • reviewed 04/2014

    THE EXTRA TEXTURE
    The Extra Texture

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.