Album Mini-review: Bell X1 — Arms
File next to: Talking Heads, Crowded House
Because of the wide array of styles explored on Arms, the record sometimes feels more like a mixtape than an album. “Fail Again, Fail Better” sounds like a half-finished collaboration between Paul Simon and David Byrne. The electronically-textured “Bring Me a Fireking” is vaguely reminiscent of Neil Finn’s solo work. And the largely unadorned “The Upswing” places Paul Noonan‘s melancholy vocal against an understated instrumental arrangement. “Out of Love” sounds like a lost Sting tune circa Ten Summoner’s Tales. Elsewhere, hints of trip-hop and world music find their way into the mix. Yet taken as a whole, the disparate styles come together into a cohesive whole. On their 9th album – the group’s sixth for its own label – the Dublin, Ireland group serves up more of their brand of melodic (if more than slightly idiosyncratic) pop.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.