Dark Bells have been causing quite a stir in the underground music scene in recent months, something which has been hard not to notice. The band have built up more and more momentum on our island since their move to the UK from Australia last year. We went along to their gig at Birthdays in Dalston last week as they supported fellow Aussie band PVT.
Despite being the first act of the night, the band managed to fill the venue and captivate the audience for the full length of the set. The three- piece conjour up a wall of sound driven by aggressive drum-beats and thundering bass-lines, contrasting effectively against the droning guitar and haunting vocals of Teneil Throssell, creating a soundscape of songs which merge almost seamlessly into each other.
A personal highlight of the set was the band’s recent single “Want” which showcases the true extent of their abilities. Echoing guitars and vocals are balanced with a series rhythm and pitch changes. The middle of the song features an extended stripped down instrumental section, before a sudden switch of pace again building to a frantic and ferocious ending. With a debut album planned and no doubt more London shows, this band will definitely be one to watch in 2013.
Check out our interview with the band from last month here.