Bell X1 – Bloodless Coup

If you haven't heard of Bell X1 before don't start kicking yourself, it's ok. I hadn't heard of them until the single "Velcro" was released March 15th. I have to say, this is one of the more impressive bands I've heard this year. They hail from Ireland and they have a sound that unfortunately hasn't been noticed much in the Americas yet. Bell X1 fills it's epic choruses with sweeping statements, and singer Paul Noonan has a way to make the most mundane things feel fresh. When it works, it's no less than excellent. Bloodless Coup starts out slow with "Hey Anna Lee" but then jumps right in, throwing the aforementioned "Velcro" into your eardrums with a pleasing bang, supported by excellent synths, digitized drums and a whole lot of great vocals. Following after is an epic track called "Nightwatchmen", which one can't help but love. The style differs just enough throughout to please the lovers of change and the lovers of consistency alike, and the last four tracks are pure gold after gold. Bloodless Coup is one of the freshest Indie albums of the year so far, and you'd be a fool to pass up giving it a listen or two. I give it a 5 out of 5. Definitely buy it, and if you just want to pick some apples from the apple tree here are a few tracks that are a bit greener than the rest.