Bell X1
Apr 11, 2011
Bell X1 is an Irish rock band from North County Kildare that formed in 2000. They have released five best-selling albums in Ireland. The band started out as Juniper, which included Damien Rice before he became a solo artist. They are named after the first aircraft to break the sound barrier.
Bell X1 has been hailed by the press as one of Ireland's great new bands. "Flock," their third album, but first released in the U.S., went five times platinum in their native country. Their sophomore U.S. release, "Blue Lights on the Runway," ended up firmly establishing the band here.
Comprising Paul Noonan (vocals), Dave Geraughty (guitar) and Dominic Phillips (bass), Bell X1 have a healthy respect for songcraft and melody. For their new release, "Bloodless Coup," the group wanted to return to a more traditional way of recording. As in, write the songs; rehearse the songs; record the songs in a recording studio with other humans. And leave it alone. Those "other humans" were Rory Doyle on drums and Marc Aubele on keys and guitar, along with producer Rob Kirwan.
In addition to the lead-off track "Velcro," several other tracks are worth your attention including "Hey Anna Lena," "Nightwatchmen," "Built To Last," "4 Minute Mile" and "The Trailing Skirts of God."
"'Bloodless Coup" is about the idea that momentous change often happens in subtle or benign or lateral ways," said Noonan. "Like realizing that you'll now never do certain things. Our own country's economic implosion. Stepping up with grace and holding a loved one as they slip away. Losing one's religion. But it's also about how, through friendships and shared human experience, the good will win out."
Bell x1 is currently touring in the U.K and Europe. They come to North America in June:
- 6/1 The Mod Club Theatre, Toronto
- 6/2 First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia
- 6/3 Club Café, Pittsburgh
- 6/4 Rock And Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
- 6/6-7 Bowery Ballroom, New York
- 6/8 Paradise Rock Club, Boston
- 6/10 The Ark, Ann Arbor
- 6/11 Lincoln Hall, Chicago
- 6/12 Varsity Theater, Minneapolis
- 6/14 Larimer Lounge, Denver
- 6/17 Crocodile Café, Seattle
- 6/18 Doug Fir Lounge, Portland
- 6/21 Great American, San Francisco
- 6/22 The Troubadour, Los Angeles
For more visit www.bellx1.com
