Reviews

"Absolutely awesome" - hotpress.com

11 Sep 2002

That's co-producer Nick Seymour's verdict on Bell X-1's forthcoming LP, due out early in the new year. But first: a visit to the Temple Bar Music Centre later this month.

Bell X1 emerge from studio hibernation on September 26 when they swing by the Temple Bar Music Centre.

Fans will be able to get a sneak preview of their second album which has been pieced together in Sussex's Ridge Farm Studios and assorted Wexford, Kilkenny, London and Dublin abodes. Production assistance has been rendered by ex-Crowded House man Nick Seymour who enthuses, "The songs sound absolutely awesome."

Signed last December to Island Records, the quartet had been planning to make "a simple, live and ropy sounding record that embraced the likes of Talking Heads, Television and Blondie. That didn't really happen, as there was inevitable over-excitement and now the record features vibraphone, glockenspiel, harmonium, banjo and much choral singing."

The as-yet-untitled collection is due in early 2003.

hotpress.com - Bell X1

Bell X1
Neither Am I
(Universal)

26 Oct 2000

Bell X1's debut album displays a touching uncertainty. Apart from the robust vanguard of 'Pinball Machine' and the confident swish of 'Man On Mir,' Neither Am I has a preponderance of translucent ballads. Most of these, while genuinely lovely, are not as striking as they might be, due to the distant, dreamy production style.

Bell X1 really get it right on the elegant, hypnotic heart-tug of 'Offshore' and the quivering closer 'Deep' is superb. They fare well with songs which don't take themselves too seriously – the sweet nostalgic sentiment of 'Slow Set', for example, or 'Blue Rinse Baby' with its schoolyard sketches and references to legends of childhood TV, like Button Moon and Bagpuss.

A good strong shot of passion could have really invigorated Neither Am I in some places, particularly when you consider how a potentially ballsy number like 'Face' is allowed to slip by when it should really have shaken the album out of its reverie. Then again, in some cases, the addition of unnecessary flourishes, like the semi-comic vocal echoes on 'Volcano', can detract from the delicate power the song inherently possesses. The writing is very articulate, but there's a danger in trying to be too cerebral.

I would love to be able to ladle on the superlatives here, but there's a sense still of potential unfulfilled.

It's a good start. Now, let's see Bell X1 go from strength to strength.

Fiona Reid
Rating: 8/12

The Voice - Issue 11 March 2001

THE FUTURE IS IRISH
Bellx1 was the rocket plane which broke the sound barrier, clocking in at 600mph back in 1947. Breaking sound barriers may be a little out of the bands capabilities! What is more likely is the breaking of the charts in the UK and the US to a clap of thunder. Following the release of the bands debut album back in October to collective critical album, the band are taking it slowly and low key.

Formed from the remnants of Juniper in 1997, the guys took the longer and harder route, ensuring they had firm ground below them before they headed out on the road to success. They went through a tumultuous time with the takeover of PolyGram, by Universal just as they had been signed, but they emerged, took time and recorded their debut.

The album 'Neither Am I' has been described by those in the know 'as the best thing to come out of Ireland in years, showing an underlying genius and the hints of the greatness which will undoubtedly emerge'.

On a wet night in Maynooth I catch up with the multi-talented Brian Crosby, who plays both guitar and keyboards in the band. "Everything went surprisingly smoothly. In theory we shouldn't have come through the way we did, we were very lucky", says Brian of the departure of ex-Juniper frontman Damien Rice and the corporate takeover hell they endured. The remaining members of the group were in limbo for a while, but Paul Noonan (who would assume vocals), Dave Geraghty (lead guitar), Dominic Philips (bass) and Brian knew they had to go on, music was the most important thing for them. "We weren't sure it would work, we took 3 months, recorded, rehearsed did a few gigs and it was great".

With the guiding experience of Nick Seymour, ex-bassist with Crowded House they headed to both London and Wales to record their debut album. "Being away to record the album we became more focussed, it was exciting to be away. Channelling all our excitement and energies into recording". Aided by the experiences gained by their days as Juniper, they were able to harness this in the studio and come up with an album which was both mature in its sound and fulfilled what they had hoped for. "A lot happened in the studio that wasn't there when we went in. We were very happy with what was recorded".

The influence of Nick Seymour is evident both on the album and in their live sound, with songs like 'Slow Set' and 'Pinball Machine' being examples of the Antipodean twang. Brian having been slightly reticent up to this point talks warmly of Seymour's involvement, "he acted as a fifth member, jumping from instrument and conducting things". Brian coughing intermittently throughout the interview, maybe a sign of the late night rock and roll excesses or a sign of what is to come. Brian seems very sure of what he wants and that is to play music, and he seems very focused on getting what he can out from it.

At this point we divert slightly as the masses clamber at the entrance to get in to the gig. We trade ripostes on those awkward teenage discos, which is touched in the album with 'Slow Set'. Too embarrassed to admit my shortcomings, Brian comes through the nice chap that he is. "I was disturbed at learning there was a code between girls, if there was a girl you liked her friend would wink at her that she was needed in the toilet. That pretty much meant she wasn't interested. I think I heard that once!". So take note all you warm blooded males out there from a man with experience.

Getting back to the business of the band, the future looks bright for them as once this short tour is over they will once again hit the study with the smooth production touch of Mr Seymour and they are going abroad. Brian feels that as a group, they are a lot smoother "as a performing entity, quite coherent and in tune with what everyone is doing". There is always the 'virus' which many Irish bands have caught and been unable to shake off, that of 'Oh, we must stay here and pay back our loyal fans'. I would hasten to say that the group have no qualms about heading abroad to sell their wares. Music is becoming more and more of a global village, but most especially rock music.

Brian says "our sound would be more at home in the American market", if put to the test he says with a wry smile he would pick America before success in the UK charts. Watching Brian on stage after our interview, switching from keyboard to guitar effortlessly a la Johnny Greenwood I think the band they made the right choice to carry on. So keep an eye on this band they may soon take off, don't get left behind.

Robert Marshall

witnness.com - Bell X1

Emerging from the wreckage of their former band Juniper, Bell X1 are one of the most vital and hardworking bands on the Irish pop calendar. The 'Men from Mir' have got passion, energy and the rocking wherewithal to get any crowd moving, so this Witnness appearance is just perfect.

Where's The Craic - Bell X1 tour

The first time they played the venue there were more people on stage than they were in the audience but, months later and much publicity since, Bell X1 drew in a respectable crowd in Cleere's last Friday night. In the absence of their drummer, singer / guitarist, Paul sat behind the kit and explained that “I don't generally become Phil Collins”. No stranger to the skins (he's been known to play drums for a certain Gemma Hayes on occasion) he did a great job. The band have echoes of Radiohead and Jeff Buckley at their most reflective but there's a brilliant tenseness about their music, like they're always teetering on the edge of sonic paroxysms - which they do give way to just at the right times.

Promoting their Universal debut, Neither Am I, produced by ex-Crowded House man, Nick Seymour, the band aired their excellent singles, Pinball Machine and Man on Mir alongside other choice cuts from the platter such as Slowset, Face, Godsong and The Money which features the coolest slide guitar this side of a Budweiser ad. Other stand-out tracks on the night were the whimsical, Offshore, Alphabet soup and Boy loves Girl which unfortunately didn't make it onto the album.

Bell X1 also have a strong underlying current of dirty funk in their sound and the inspired use of the wah-wah peddle is very enjoyable. The vocals are high and the music is serious but you shouldn't lump this band in with the current bunch of falsetto moaners that are bombarding the charts ( Coldplay anybody ?). Bell X1 have the right ingredients to become filthy rich but only time will tell if this fine new Irish band can reap the benefits of their active musical imaginations.

Pius Meagher

Where's The Craic - Bell X1

The long anticipated debut album from Bell X1 finally arrived. After long deliberation I was still unconvinced. The album I felt lacked energy, it was lack lustre and insipid in parts. However in the subsequent interval between this review and my conclusion I had the opportunity of hearing the band live in radiant form. The same songs I heard had new energy, passion and stunning musical talent. If this had been captured on the album we would have had a stunning debut.

The album opens on the soothing and catchy "Pinball Machine" which was the opening single off the album. This is closely followed the guitar driven "Man on Mir". Other favourites on the album included "Slowset", "Godsong" and my personal favourite "Face". Songs like "Alphabet soup" and the touching "Boy loves girl" were dropped in favour of a track like "little sister" which already debuted from their days as Juniper.

Overall I feel the production by Nick Seymour and Rob Kirwan has over influenced a possible classic. The sound is over produced, too clean cut and some songs even soul less. However the songs are lyrically challenging and the musical style is extremely creative. We eagerly anticipate new work which we are sure will drive this band to where they deserve to be, the top!

James Malone

Zeitgeist - Bell X1 - June 26 2001

Dublin show...
Temple Bar Music Centre

Friday 6th July, 7.30pm
ADM £8.

The much anticipated year 2000 saw many changes in the supposed "Irish Music Scene". One of the finer augers of what is to come, came in the form of "Neither Am I", the debut album from Bell X1. The Nick Seymour-produced debut album saw Bell X1 shake off the legacy of Juniper – their former incarnation – with their angelic-voiced drummer Paul Noonan stepping up to the microphone, complementing a softer, more subtle style of writing. Described by it's authors as "campfire disco", "Neither Am I" encompasses both sweet, emotive ballads and high-octane, rattly rock `n' roll with a singularly subtle brand of electronica present throughout.

Having toured for much of the first half of this year, the band are currently taking some time out to start work on their second album. This once-off show in the Music Centre will be the only chance to catch the Bellies in Dublin over the Summer.

Support on the night comes from Blue Screen and Matt Lunson.

Neither Am I is released on Universal Music Ireland.

What's On Where - November 2000

To swap the post of drummer for that of lead vocalist is a trick which very few dare to try and even less have success with. But, if this record is anything to go by Paul Noonan seems to have not only pulled this off with some degree of style but has also managed to put behind him the past of the bombastic, ill-fated 'next-big-thing' Juniper. Here, this Celbridge combo switch from moody, swaggering indie rock-out's like the sneakily infectious 'Man on Mir' and Roxy Music/Longpigs hybrid of 'Blue Rinse Baby' to half-whispered acoustic lullabys ('Beautiful Madness') and 'Slowset'. Above broody piano tones the words “no more love on the dance floor unless you're out of your head” lament the passing of the slow set as the ghosts of teenage disco's past come back to haunt with a melancholy chorus. With tunes like 'Volcano' and 'Face', Noonan & co dip their toes into the same swamp that Gomez splash about in while delicate, drowsy pieces like 'Deep' and 'Beautiful Madness' carry the spirits of Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake. Although this record may not herald the dawn of a new era in music, this album displays a distinct ability to easily flirt with various styles while creating some truly memorable songs.

CK

CLUAS Album Reviews - 2000

Bell X1 'Neither Am I'

An album of curious charm and warmth, Bell X1's debut 'Neither Am I' is a record that most of us here in the wonderful world of music thought we would never see following the demise of Juniper a couple of years ago.

Juniper were a band that promised the lot. Attitude, songs, poise and even the five-a-side skills of truly great rock stars (or so a former flatmate once said). They were signed up but after a couple of singles (including the memorable 'Weatherman') they entered the file marked "dropped." But they weren't really dropped at all. Frontman Damien Rice went his own way and the rest of the band applied a new moniker and a new sense of direction. After some inspiring live shows in the past year or so their debut album has finally arrived. The first two singles 'Pinball Machine' and 'Man On Mir' promised something special and with 'Neither Am I' that promise is thankfully delivered. But you get a tingling feeling that they could have delivered more. But even so, as an indication to a band finding their feet in major label land, it's a damn sight better than most of the pap that crosses the channel on the back of occasional Top 40 success and an appearance on Jools Holland. And it contains 'Volcano'.

The opening chimes of 'Pinball Machine' set the tone of the album. If you were expecting an album choc-a-block with rockers like 'Man On Mir' then you're in for disappointment. The album progresses at a smooth and laid back rate. "I could have been a contender / but instead I'm content" sings Paul Noonan over a delicate backing and if you read into that then you'll find a band at ease. Nick Seymour's production shimmers from the off and straight away the tale of love as, er, a pinball machine endears you to a band brimming with frustration at the finer things in life yet satisfied that, although things can be bad, they can't get too bad. 'The Money' is more subdued than it is live but it still works perfectly, its biting lyrics losing none of their steam.

'Man On Mir' is one of this year's truly great Irish singles and it slots in nicely early on getting the urgency over with early. 'Slow Set' is the first of a duo of slightly whimsical songs, the other being 'Blue Rinse Baby', that take the serious and subdued side away from Bell X 1. Whereas the album flows with a subtle and smooth edge, 'Blue Rinse Baby' recalls the Small Faces messing about with a pissed studio crew, but - as songs about pensioners go - it's one of the best (anyone know any other pensioner odes?). 'Slow Set' is a marvellous ode to that part of teenage life that's lost in today's clubs, namely the nervous circle spinner to Bryan Adams or Glen Medeiros or whoever. It perfectly captures those slow set moments of inadequacy, nerves, meddling friends and dancefloor stiffys. As a look back to a bygone time, it's enough to bring a tear back to any eye that first met on the dancefloor of a disco all those years ago. 'Offshore' is largely forgettable, as is 'Little Sister' where the paranoid lyrics do seem a little dated in the "look I've just read a George Orwell book" sense. But in the songwriting stakes 'Volcano', 'Beautiful Madness', 'Face', 'Godsong' and the terrific album closer 'Deep' showcase a band at their best.

'Godsong' recalls Roger Waters in a way. You could almost picture Waters snarling lyrics of God at the dinner table, the whore in your bed. Beautiful Madness starts with what the Frames would call a perfect opening line with "give me an opinion c'os I don't have one". The rest of the song could have been written about the long departed Rice ("you're mad to burn / mad to fly / mad to be saved") but even so a beautiful song pans out in the face of tempers flaring. 'Face' is another wallet bursting slice of a la carte rock and benefits from the presence of Nick Seymour on backing vocals. The one thing it sadly lacks is the sauce. It just needs that extra little dash, that fierceness, that burn that would have made it a meatier prospect. Still, as it is it's another finely tuned and smoothly produced indication that Bell X 1 are something to relish.

The shimmering 'Deep' that closes this fine debut embellishes and again could be another written about Rice ("we have one up on each other / the same mistake" could be about Juniper's PolyGram days if you like thinking of that sort of stuff). Pink Floyd in feel and execution, it sets the sun nicely on a classy, shimmering album.

All in all, Neither Am I is crafted to smooth perfection by the production and influence of Nick Seymour (and probably the Welsh countryside). It's an album that lends itself both to the ear and the brain perfectly, in reverie or in anger. An absorbing, calming listen. However it's a slight shame that some of their live power and Noonan's priceless drumming wasn't let loose in the studio. As a calling card though, it manages to sustain the interest from start to finish and stylishly paves the way for greatness which, if there's any justice, will undoubtedly follow.

Ronan Casey

Westend Live

Bell X1 (formerly known as Juniper) had two chart hits in 1998 with "Weatherman" and "the world is dead". Described as "campfire disco", the music ranges from big rattly rock and roll to sweet aching ballads.

Influences include Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Velvet Underground, and DJ Shadow.

The band will make it's Waterford debut in The Showboat, Thursday 26th October at 10pm supported by ex-Shanks lead singer Stanley O'Sullivan who now plays as Stanley Super 800.

Dublin Live 

Will the real Bell X1 please stand up? An ominous identity crisis besets the hotly tipped Kildare quintet. Are they anaemic Jeff Buckley wannabes, all fey flourishes and granite scowls? Or bone-rattling, neo-industrial noiseniks, dissecting their anthems with red eyes and gritted teeth?

Here's the problem: driven by a rumbling rhythm section, Bell X1 thrash out an incendiary live performance. Throbbing instrumental workouts dominate a gut-wrenching, white-knuckleride set. But when they mute the feedback and make like sullen tune-smiths, everything dissipates into mush.

Languid opener No More Love on the Dancefloor flaps and squawks but, mired in bathos, crashes to earth with a splat. The group's vocalist possesses a modicum of charisma, but the posing quickly grates. The pilfered angst is irritating because it's so unnecessary. If they quit pretending to be great lyricists (they're not) and settle for whipping up a racket, Bell X1 would be near-untouchable.

Edward Power

Where's The Craic Interview

Having marked their departure from all things Juniper with their opening single "Pinball Machine", Bell X1 are touring for much of the summer, with an appearance at the Witnness festival in August. A super-limited edition EP, "the perfect height for kicking", is available at venues, featuring a live track from Vicar St. earlier this year, and three unreleased studio tracks.

The follow up single "Man on Mir" is to appear in early September, with a remix by Johnny Moy appearing in a dishko near you from July.

The debut album, "Neither am I", is released in October. Produced by former Crowded House man Nick Seymour (soon to become the Puff Daddy of Irish Nu-rock, with not-so-cameo appearances on the record, and, rumour has it, the new video) it was recorded in quaint, remote Wales and mixed in hard, city-like London.

All Ireland Music - Reviews

Bell X1 - "Neither Am I"

Over the past five years the Irish rock scene has been deluged with an infinite amount of young, energetic bands looking for their first big break. Among this posse was a band called Juniper. After a bright beginning, however, Juniper went the way of many before them, opting to disband after endless record company wrangling and the departure of their front man.

To their credit, the surviving members regrouped, renamed, enlisted a new front man and went back into the studio. The band is now Bell X1. The album is 'Neither Am I'.

Before Bell X1 entered the studio to record the album they received a highly significant boost: not only had they proved that they could survive the ruthless corporate mauling of the record industry, they also had a 'name' producer online, Nick Seymour, formerly of Antipodean favourites Crowded House. The result?

Well, clearly the quartet have potential, yet there is very little on 'Neither Am I' to set Bell X1 apart from the rest. 'Pinball Machine' eases the listener into proceedings with the trusty trio of acoustic guitar, bass and piano. A gentle song, it hints at Bell X1's leanings towards melody, always a good sign.

Something of a false dawn, however. The country guitar sound of 'The Money' irritates more than inspires. 'Man on Mir' sounds too much like Blur to merit any praise. The album then plods along at a pedestrian pace, with positive flashes submerged in too many mediocre guitar songs. 'Offshore' and 'Beautiful Madness' offer signs of Bell X1's potential but the album ultimately meanders on to its indifferent conclusion. On the production side of things, credit must go to Seymour for his minimalist style.

If the songs were a little stronger all round then Bell X1 could have had a minor triumph on their hands. As it stands, 'Neither Am I' fails to significantly arrest the attention of the listener.

On 'Volcano', Paul Noonan, who sounds like a hybrid of Glen Hansard and Liam O'Maonlai, sings "This is nothing new". Unfortunately, I agree.

Tom Grealis

All Ireland Music - Bell X1

Biog:
Bell X1 have recently formed out of the ashes of Juniper - a band well respected and admired. However Juniper collapsed following record company problems and the loss of their front man and the group spent a number of years in limbo.

But they have reformed and renamed and have developed a more diverse sound delivered by the charismatic Paul Noonan on vocals. With Crowded House Producer Nick Seymour working on their debut album, Neither Am I, the band appears to have acquired a successful formula. Bell X1 make regular appearances at Whelan's live venue, Wexford Street in Dublin.

They recently released their debut album, "Neither Am I".

Did you know?:
- Manic Street Preachers Producer, Mike Hedges was to work on Juniper's album before they disbanded.

Hot Press - Nick Seymour interview - March 30 2000

"Seymour has been resident in Dublin since the demise of Crowded House, and as well as writing his own material, he has also donned the hat of producer. His latest production number, the debut album by Dubliners Bell X-1, is due for release at the end of March. What drew him to the band?

I'd known them when they were called Juniper, but when the original singer left and the drummer took on the duties of frontman I noticed a real change in their attitude. The guys are all multi-instrumentalists, and their songwriting is superb. Plus they re fun guys and that always makes things easier.

We recorded the album in Wales, as I'm a resident alien in Ireland and it s a complicated process to acquire permission to work in the Republic. After Crowded House, when I began to produce my own music on a home recording system, I suddenly realised that I hadn't been paying attention to people like Youth and Mitchell Froom who had worked with the band, I was a production virgin if you like! In order to produce a sound to do justice to the quality of the music, I really had to learn from scratch."

The Lobby Bar Profile of Bell X1

Bell X1, the band formerly known as Juniper their debut album "Neither Am I" is to be released in the first week of April.

Having been signed to PolyGram, now Universal, since Autumn 1997, they have finally emerged from corporate takeover hell, surviving the purging that went on in the wake of the takeover, when many acts were dropped.

After the chartastic success of "Weatherman" and "World is Dead" in 1998, they had planned to record an album with Mike Hedges (producer of "This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours" by the Manic Street Preachers, among others) beginning in February 1999. It was around then that PolyGram was purchased by Seagram International, makers of fine whiskey.

Delays and frustrations within the band led to the departure of lead singer Dodi Ma (Damien Rice), and the band took time to re-group.

Having never been reliant on any one person for songs and how to sing them, they relocated to a residential studio in Wales and under the guidance of Crowded Houses Nick Seymour they recorded their debut album "Neither Am I".

"Pinball Machine" is the first single to be taken from the album and is due for release 3rd March. The album "Neither Am I" is to follow in April.

The Headling Agency - Bell X1

Formerly known as Juniper, who had two Irish chart hits in 1998 with Weatherman and The World is Dead, the band's line-up and sound has changed along with its name. When the original singer left the band, gifted crooner Paul Noonan took up the mantle. The newly born Bell X1 retreated to the remote valleys of Wales where, under the guidance of Crowded House's Nick Seymour (soon to become the Puff Daddy of Irish Nu-Rock), they made their debut record. Bell X1 are available for gigs from July 2001 on.

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