View source for Howling Bells

{{Short description|Australian indie rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Howling Bells
| image            = Howling Bells, Tuning Fork, September 2014 01.jpg
| caption          = Howling Bells, The Tuning Fork, September 2014<br/>From left to right: Joel Stein, Glenn Moule,<br/>Juanita Stein, Gary Daines
| landscape        = yes
| background       = group_or_band
| origin           = Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| genre            = [[Indie rock]]
| years_active     = {{flatlist|
* 2004–2017
* 2022
}}
| associated_acts  = [[Waikiki (band)|Waikiki]]
| label            = [[Bella Union]], [[Liberation Music|Liberation]], [[Independiente (record label)|Independiente]], [[PIAS Recordings|Play It Again Sam]], [[Hostess Entertainment|Hostess]], [[Nettwerk Music Group|Nettwerk]], [[Cooking Vinyl]], Birthday Records
| website          = {{URL|howlingbells.co.uk}}
| current_members  = 
| past_members     = [[Juanita Stein]]<br/>Joel Stein<br/>Glenn Moule<br/>Gary Daines<br/>Brendan Picchio
}}
'''Howling Bells''' are an Australian indie rock band that formed in [[Sydney, Australia|Sydney]] in 2004. The band obtained popularity following the release of its 2006 self-titled debut album. The lineup consists of [[Juanita Stein]] (vocals, rhythm guitar), Glenn Moule (drums), Juanita's brother Joel Stein (lead guitar), and Gary Daines (bass guitar).

Originally called [[Waikiki (band)|Waikiki]], the band changed its name and musical style preceding its move from Australia to England. Howling Bells' debut album, ''[[Howling Bells (album)|Howling Bells]]'', was produced by [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]]. The album charted in the Top&nbsp;100 in the UK and just outside the Top&nbsp;50 in Australia, and it was included on Album of the Year lists for a number of publications. The band's next release, ''[[Radio Wars (album)|Radio Wars]]'' (2009), received mixed reviews, although it charted higher than its predecessor in both the UK and Australia. The band supported [[Coldplay]] on the third leg of the North American [[Viva la Vida Tour]]. In 2009, [[Gigwise.com|Gigwise]] named Juanita Stein "the sexiest woman in rock." Their third album, ''[[The Loudest Engine]]'' (2011), received largely favourable reviews but underperformed on the charts in comparison to the bands' two prior releases. In 2011, original Howling Bells bass guitarist, Brendan Picchio, left the band. Their fourth album, ''[[Heartstrings (Howling Bells album)|Heartstrings]]'', was released in June 2014.

Howling Bells have been labelled as "melodic blues" and "country-goth." They were influenced by [[The Beatles]] and [[Jimi Hendrix]], and were often compared to [[Mazzy Star]] and [[The Velvet Underground]].

==History==

===Formation===
In 1999, Glenn Moule, Joel Stein, and Juanita Stein formed the pop rock group Waikiki.<ref name="omp1">Hannan, Victoria (October 2000). [https://web.archive.org/web/20010927192024/http://www.ozmusicproject.net/magazine/interview.asp?int=38 "An Interview with Waikiki"]. Ozmusic Project. Jasper Lee. Archived from [http://www.ozmusicproject.net/magazine/interview.asp?int=38 the original] on 27 September 2001. Retrieved 1 April 2011.</ref><ref name="nmepv">{{cite AV media |people= ''NME'' (Production) |date= 7 March 2009 |title= "NME ''Presents Howling Bells video"'' |url= http://www.nme.com/nme-video/nme-presents-howling-bells/16386103001 |format= [[FLV]] |medium= Web video |publisher= ([[IPC&nbsp;Media]]) ([[Time Inc.]]) |location= Punk, Soho, London |access-date=5 April 2011 |time= <sup>''a''</sup> 1:26, <sup>''b''</sup> 1:58}}</ref> They toured the Australian eastern states as a trio and released an [[Extended play|EP]], ''Presents'', in 2000.<ref name="omp1"/><ref name="plad">Curley, John (9 November 2008). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413205408/http://powerlinead.wordpress.com/tag/brendan-picchio/ "Archive for Brendan Picchio"]. Powerline A.D. Patrick Prince ¤ [[Automattic]]. Archived from [http://powerlinead.wordpress.com/tag/brendan-picchio/ the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2011.</ref> In 2002, with a rhythm guitarist, they issued the Top&nbsp;50 album ''[[I'm Already Home]]''.<ref name="nla2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413210429/http://nla.gov.au/nla.cs-ma-NAMO~1144 "Waikiki"]. [[Music Australia (online resource)|Music Australia]]. [[National Library of Australia]]. (2002). Archived from [http://nla.gov.au/nla.cs-ma-NAMO~1144 the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2011.</ref><ref>Kellaghan, Ronan (22 October 2002). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416141932/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20021107-0000/Issue660.pdf |date=16 April 2019 }}. ARIA. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. (660): 6. Archived from [http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20021107-0000/Issue660.pdf the original] on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011. '''Note''': A free, open-source original online document for this reference does not exist. In this case, the original is from [[Pandora Archive]] and was preserved there on 7 November 2002.</ref> With four members, the band then toured Australia and New Zealand.<ref name="nla2"/><ref>Likeman, Miranda (30 August 2002). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413210629/http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/entertain/1319/ "Meet Waikiki"]. nzgirl. Jenene Crossan Freer ¤ E-Innovatus Ltd. Archived from [http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/entertain/1319/ the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2011.</ref> Shortly thereafter, Brendan Picchio joined Waikiki as a bassist, and Juanita switched to rhythm guitar.<ref name="plad"/><ref>Carson, Jamie (19 January 2003). [https://web.archive.org/web/20090301052123/http://www.virtualfestivals.com/festivals/reviews/386/-/Big-Day-Out-2003--Gold-Coast-Review "Big Day Out 2003 – Gold Coast Review"]. Virtual Festivals. Steve Jenner. Archived from [http://www.virtualfestivals.com/festivals/reviews/386/-/Big-Day-Out-2003--Gold-Coast-Review the original] on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2011.</ref> The group soon became dissatisfied with its material, so the members chose a new direction for their music.<ref name="bma">{{Cite journal |url= http://www.bmamag.com/articles/features/20091210-howling-bells/ |title= Howling Bells |last= Brown |first= Josh |date= 10 December 2009 |journal= [[Bma&nbsp;magazine]] |location= Canberra, ACT |publisher= Radar Media |issue= 339 |page= 26 |archive-url= https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20101026215000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/115061/20101027-0850/www.bmamag.com/article/features/20091210-howling-bells/index.html |archive-date= 26 October 2010 |access-date=3 April 2011}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="rave06">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/1296/1/ |title=Howling Bells |last=Williams |first=Emily |date=11 September 2006 |journal=Rave&nbsp;Magazine |location=Sydney, NSW |publisher=Colin Rankin |issue=757 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720104651/http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/1296/1/ |archive-date=20 July 2011 |access-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} '''Note''': Article is found at bottom of page.</ref> They wrote a number of new songs and made a wish list of producers with whom they would like to work.<ref name="rpfoz">{{Cite journal |url= http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/howling%20bells%2006.htm |title= Howling Bells Live @ Oxford Zodiac |last= Bateman |first= Steve |date= 20 May 2006 |journal= Repeat |location= Greater London, England |publisher= Repeat Fanzine |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202215804/http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/howling%20bells%2006.htm |archive-date= 2 December 2008 |access-date=11 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="tosp">{{Cite journal |url= http://timeoff.com.au/html/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4651:howling-bells&catid=11:features&Itemid=29 |title= Howling Bells – Foreign Conflicts |last= Preece |first= Ben |date= 4 December 2009 |journal= [[Time Off]] |location= Brisbane, QLD |publisher= Street Press Australia Pty Ltd |issue= 1454 |page= 22 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110413211517/http://timeoff.com.au/html/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4651:howling-bells&catid=11:features&Itemid=29 |archive-date= 13 April 2011 |access-date= 24 March 2011 |url-status= dead }} '''Note''': Included in 9 December 2009 print edition.</ref> In 2004, the band changed its name to Howling Bells, as its members felt that phrase better embodied its newly adapted indie rock style.<ref name="rave06"/><ref>Augustine, Lalita (16 October 2011). [http://www.freezepage.com/1319846234HWFIWISZJJ?url=http://www.isthismusic.com/howling-bells-7 "Howling Bells: Power Play (In Conversation with Lalita Augustine)"]. ([[West Lothian]], Scotland: Is this music?). Archived from [http://www.isthismusic.com/howling-bells-7 the original] on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2014.</ref>

{{Quote box |quoted= true |bgcolor= #FFFFF0 |quote= I realised onstage one night that I wasn't into it. I didn't believe in what I was doing. I thought, how will [the audience] feel it if I can't? |salign= right |source= –Juanita Stein's thoughts on Waikiki<ref>{{Cite news|title=Howling Bells |last=Winterford |first=Brett |date=23 June 2006 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/gig-previews--reviews/howling-bells/2006/06/23/1150845354980.html?page=fullpage |newspaper=[[The Age]] |location=Melbourne, VIC  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413170452/http://www.theage.com.au/news/gig-previews--reviews/howling-bells/2006/06/23/1150845354980.html?page=fullpage |archive-date=13 April 2011 |access-date=27 February 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>|align= left |width= 15%}}

[[Demo (music)|Demos]] of the new material were sent to British producer [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]] ([[Coldplay]], [[Gomez (band)|Gomez]]).<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref>{{Cite journal |url= http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm |title= Ken Nelson: Recording Coldplay's Parachutes |last= Inglis |first= Sam |date= October 2000 |journal= [[Sound on Sound]] |location= Cambridge, UK |publisher= SOS Publications Group |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050811021036/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct00/articles/ken.htm |archive-date= 11 August 2005 |access-date=2 April 2011}}</ref> The band members considered him to be an unattainable candidate as a producer, but he responded favourably.<ref name="rpfoz"/> Upon learning that he was interested in working with them, they moved to London.<ref name="plad"/><ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/howling-at-the-stars/2009/04/02/1238261707308.html |title= Howling at the stars |last= Murfett |first= Andrew |date= 3 April 2009 |newspaper= The Age |location= Melbourne, VIC |publisher= Fairfax Media |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090406202244/http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/howling-at-the-stars/2009/04/02/1238261707308.html |archive-date= 6 April 2009 |access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref> At the time, Nelson was occupied working with Coldplay. For eight to ten months, the band lived in adverse conditions in one room in a house in London.<ref name="idp1">{{Cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/howling-bells--heartbreak-and-a-primal-howl-1633093.html |title= Howling Bells – Heartbreak and a Primal Howl |last= Bray |first= Elisa |date= 27 February 2009 |newspaper= [[The Independent]] |location= London, UK |publisher= Independent Print Limited) ([[Alexander Lebedev]], [[Evgeny Lebedev]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090228103937/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/howling-bells--heartbreak-and-a-primal-howl-1633093.html |archive-date= 28 February 2009 |access-date=14 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="enp">{{Cite news |url= http://www.glovebox.com.au/stories/howlingbellsjuly06.htm |title= Reaching the emotional depths: An interview with Howling Bells |last= Weaver |first= Andrew |date= July 2006 |newspaper= The Electric Newspaper |publisher= Glovebox |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080721222050/http://www.glovebox.com.au/stories/howlingbellsjuly06.htm |archive-date= 21 July 2008 |access-date=31 March 2011}}</ref> During this period, the members took up menial employment opportunities. Picchio sold [[Insulated glazing|double-glazing]] over the telephone.<ref>{{cite AV media |people= Top Shelf Radio with Robbie Buck • Buck, Robbie (Host); Stein, Juanita (Guest) |date= 26 September 2006 |title= ''"Howling Bells"'' |url= http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/topshelf/listen/mp3s/Howling_Bells_20060926.mp3 |format= [[mp3]] |medium= Radio broadcast |publisher= [[Triple J]] – [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) |location= Australia |access-date=3 March 2011 |time= 6:00}}</ref> Moule worked in a pub and in a car workshop, and Joel worked on a farm.<ref name="idp1"/><ref>{{cite AV media |people= Mornings with Zan • Rowe, Zan (Host); Stein, Juanita (Guest) |date= July 2006 |title= ''"JTV > Video > Artists A-Z: H > Zan interviews Juanita, July 06"'' |url= http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/homeandhosed/playlist/mp3s/howling_bells.mp3 |format= mp3 |medium= Radio broadcast |publisher=  [[triple j tv]] – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) |location= Australia |access-date=2 March 2011 |time= 6:05}}</ref>

===''Howling Bells'' (2005–2008)===
{{Main|Howling Bells (album)|l1=Howling Bells}}
[[File:Howling Bells, Portsmouth UK, 2006 (5).jpg|thumb|190px|right|Juanita Stein, [[Portsmouth]], 2006.]]

Howling Bells waited for almost a year while Nelson worked on Coldplay's ''[[X&Y]]'' album.<ref name="t5m">Cohen, Ben (31 March 2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110403211730/http://thecollectivereview.com/t5m-insider/we-meet-the-howling-bells.html "We Meet The Howling Bells"]. t5m Insider. The 5th Medium Ltd. Archived from [http://thecollectivereview.com/t5m-insider/we-meet-the-howling-bells.html the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 10 March 2011.</ref> Frustrated by the unforeseen delay, they considered returning to Australia.<ref name="bma"/><ref name="enp"/> However, in early 2005, Nelson became available, and they recorded their first album at Parr Street Studios, Liverpool.<ref>Fungus, Slender (14 May 2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20090524141757/http://www.coldplay.com/post_popnews.php?id=394 "Howling Bells Interview – We Talked to Juanita Stein from Coldplay's Latest Support Act"]. Coldplay. EMI (IP) Ltd. Archived from [http://www.coldplay.com/post_popnews.php?id=394 the original] on 24 May 2009. Retrieved 26 February 2011.</ref> ''Howling Bells'' exhibited a brooding sound, and it was a departure from the poppier style of music demonstrated by Waikiki.<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref name="rave1">{{Cite journal |url= http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/18345/30/ |title= Howling Bells |author= Birdie |date= 8 December 2009 |journal= Rave&nbsp;Magazine |location= Sydney, NSW |publisher= Colin Rankin |issue= 920 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110413212625/http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/18345/30/ |archive-date= 13 April 2011 |access-date=5 March 2011}}</ref> The long delay and the experience of a cold British winter had affected the tone of their music.<ref name="t5m"/><ref name="vh2">{{cite AV media |people= [[Video Hits (Australian TV series)|''Video Hits'']] • Agolley, Faustina; Guppy, Hayden (Hosts); Stein, Juanita; Picchio, Brendan (Guests) |date= 25 April 2009 |title= ''"Howling Bells Video Hits Interview pt.2.2"'' |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaTD6tUmGV0  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/WaTD6tUmGV0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|format= FLV |medium= Television production |publisher= [[Ten&nbsp;Network Holdings]] |location= Australia |access-date=3 March 2011 |time= <sup>''a''</sup> 1:05, <sup>''b''</sup> 1:20}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

By July 2005, the band was not yet signed to a record label.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130407061623/http://www.anrworldwide.com/column/2005/anrww/20050705/ "A&R Newsletter Vol. LXXIV"]. A&R Worldwide. Pangaea Entertainment Group, LLC. (5 July 2005). Archived from [http://www.anrworldwide.com/column/2005/anrww/20050705/ the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 4 April 2011.</ref> Howling Bells toured for ten months prior to the release of the album. They played sporadically in clubs in Australia and North America, and they toured Europe and the UK with [[Editors (band)|Editors]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413212948/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/2781/The-Cops-The-Howling-Bells-The-Kits-Club-77-060805 "The Cops, The Howling Bells, The Kits @ Club 77, 06/08/05"]. FasterLouder. [[Sound Alliance]]. (9 August 2005). Archived from [http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/2781/The-Cops-The-Howling-Bells-The-Kits-Club-77-060805 the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.thefader.com/2005/10/12/live-howling-bells-impress-at-first-nyc-performance/ |title=Live – Howling Bells Impress at First NYC Performance |last=Adams |first=Chip |date=12 October 2005 |journal=[[The Fader]] |location=New York, NY |publisher=Rob Stone, Jon Cohen, Andy Cohn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413190611/http://www.thefader.com/2005/10/12/live-howling-bells-impress-at-first-nyc-performance/ |archive-date=13 April 2011 |access-date=3 April 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="sngk">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413213604/http://www.songkick.com/artists/154165-howling-bells/gigography "Howling Bells past concerts"]. Songkick. Ian Hogarth, Pete Smith, Michelle You. Archived from [http://www.songkick.com/artists/154165-howling-bells/gigography the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2011. '''Note''': User required to navigate numbered tabs at bottom of page.</ref> The group played extensive UK club shows with many artists, including [[The Young Knives]] and Hank & Lily.<ref>Bright, Jon (29 March 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20080223133756/http://www.musicomh.com/music/gigs/young-knives_0406.htm "Young Knives + Howling Bells"]. musicOMH. OMH Media. Archived from [http://www.musicomh.com/music/gigs/young-knives_0406.htm the original] on 23 February 2008. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref><ref>Hegazy, Alex (9 December 2005). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060214105217/http://www.aaamusic.co.uk/reviews.asp?id=659 "Howling Bells @ 93 Feet east"]. Access All Areas Music. Alessia Matteoli. Archived from [http://www.aaamusic.co.uk/reviews.asp?id=659 the original] on 14 February 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2011.</ref> Howling Bells also played [[Camden Crawl]] and the 2006 [[NME Tours#NME Radar Tour|''NME'' New Music Tour]].<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref>Webb, Simon (23 April 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060523150012/http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/feature_view.cgi?FeatureID=310 "Camden Crawl 2006"]. Room&nbsp;Thirteen. Guy Powell. Archived from [http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/feature_view.cgi?FeatureID=310 the original] on 23 May 2006. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref>

The album was released in May 2006 in the United Kingdom on the [[Bella Union]] label and in Australia in July through [[Liberation Music|Liberation]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20120713072541/http://musicbrainz.org/release-group/c9212945-b93a-337d-8999-e4d4f2ec3611 "Howling Bells – ''Howling Bells"'']. [[MusicBrainz]]. [[MetaBrainz Foundation]]. (2006). Archived from [http://musicbrainz.org/release-group/c9212945-b93a-337d-8999-e4d4f2ec3611 the original] on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2011.</ref><ref name="blu">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060211080218/http://www.bellaunion.com/artist.php?artcode=howlingbells "Howling Bells"]. [[Bella Union|Bella Union Records]]. Archived from [http://www.bellaunion.com/artist.php?artcode=howlingbells the original] on 11 February 2006. Retrieved 1 April 2011.</ref> It received critical acclaim, including a perfect 5/5 from [[musicOMH]].<ref>Hubbard, Michael (5 May 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20061211220002/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/howling-bells_0506.htm "Howling Bells – ''Howling Bells"'']. musicOMH. OMH Media. Archived from [http://www.musicomh.com/albums/howling-bells_0506.htm the original] on 11 December 2006. Retrieved 25 March 2011.</ref> ''NME'' rated it 9/10 and wrote in a review, "By turns beguiling and enthralling, this is an extraordinary album."<ref>{{Cite journal |url= http://www.nme.com/reviews/howling-bells/7935 |title= Howling Bells – ''Howling Bells'' |last= Thornton |first= Anthony |journal= NME |location= London, UK |publisher= IPC Media, Time Inc |date= 5 May 2006|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060519055546/http://www.nme.com/reviews/howling-bells/7935 |archive-date= 19 May 2006 |access-date=25 March 2011}}</ref> ''Howling Bells'' peaked in the Top&nbsp;100 of the [[UK Albums Chart]] and just outside the Top&nbsp;50 of the [[ARIA Charts|Australian Albums Chart]].<ref>Zywietz, Tobias (29 November 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110630085925/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK2006.pdf "Chartwatch 2006 Chart Booklet"] (PDF). Zobbel.de (originally from OCC ∞ [[The Official Charts Company]]). Tobias Zywietz. p. 16. Archived from [http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK2006.pdf the original] on 30 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011.</ref><ref>Wallace, Ian (24 July 2006). {{Webarchive|url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20060919140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20060920-0000/issue855.pdf |date=19 September 2006 }}(PDF). ARIA. Australian Recording Industry Association. (855): 6. Archived from [http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20060920-0000/issue855.pdf the original] on 30 June 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2011. '''Note''': A free, open-source original online document for this reference does not exist. In this case, the original is from Pandora Archive and was preserved there on 20 September 2006.</ref> At the time, it was the fastest selling album on the Bella Union label.<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref>{{Cite journal |last= Bertok |first= Nina |date= 5–19 July 2006 |title= The Howling Bells |journal= DB&nbsp;Magazine |location= Adelaide, SA |publisher= Arna Eyers-White |issue= 389 |url= http://www.dbmagazine.com.au/389/iv-HowlingBells.shtml |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060901091735/http://dbmagazine.com.au/389/iv-HowlingBells.shtml |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 1 September 2006 |access-date=22 February 2011}}</ref> The release appeared on Album of the Year lists for a number of different publications.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090205201857/http://apps.metacritic.com/music/bests/2006.shtml "Best Of 2006"]. [[Metacritic]]. CBS Interactive Inc. (2007). Archived from [http://apps.metacritic.com/music/bests/2006.shtml the original] on 5 February 2009. Retrieved 14 February 2011.</ref> In its 22 March 2007 issue, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' named Howling Bells one of their three bands to watch out for that year.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413214204/http://www.hotsource.com.au/news/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=541 "Howling Bells Tour Oz in May"]. Hotsource. Burgess Ventures. (11 April 2007). Archived from [http://www.hotsource.com.au/news/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=541 the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref>

Howling Bells spent much of the next two years touring the UK, Europe, Australia, and the US. They played at the 2007 [[NME Awards|''NME'' Awards]] Show.<ref>{{Cite journal |url= http://www.nme.com/news/howling-bells/26661 |title= Howling Bells play Shockwaves ''NME'' Awards Show |date= 26 February 2007 |journal= NME |location= London, UK |publisher= IPC Media, Time Inc |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070228131615/http://www.nme.com/news/howling-bells/26661 |archive-date= 28 February 2007 |access-date=3 April 2011}}</ref> They performed at numerous festivals during the northern hemisphere's summer months in 2006 and 2007, including [[Reading and Leeds]] and [[Latitude Festival|Latitude]].<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref>Aubergine, Cath (15 July 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20070909183030/http://www.music-dash.co.uk/live/archivelive.asp?item=960 "Taxi For Mr Strange?"]. Manchester Music. Musicdash Ltd. Archived from [http://www.music-dash.co.uk/live/archivelive.asp?item=960 the original] on 9 September 2007. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref> They supported [[Placebo (band)|Placebo]] in Europe and Australia and [[The Futureheads]] in the UK.<ref name="undfm">Tijs, Andrew (11 January 2007). {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413214432/http://www.undercover.fm/news/1258-howling-bells-conquer-uk "Howling Bells Conquer UK"]}}. Undercover Network Pty Ltd. Archived from {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413214432/http://www.undercover.fm/news/1258-howling-bells-conquer-uk the original]}} on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref> The band also supported [[Mercury Rev]], [[Snow Patrol]], and [[The Killers]] across three different continents.<ref name="sngk"/><ref name="undfm"/>

===''Radio Wars'' (2008–2009)===
{{Main|Radio Wars (album)|l1=Radio Wars}}

{{Quote box |quoted= true |bgcolor= #FFFFF0 |quote= This album is talking less about innate feelings and more about the impact between myself or ourselves and the world around us. |salign= right |source= –Juanita Stein, ''Repeat''<ref name="rpfla">{{Cite journal |url= http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/howling%20bells.htm |title= Howling Bells Live @ London Astoria|date= 30 September 2008 |last= Bateman |first= Steve |journal= Repeat |location= Greater London, UK |publisher= Repeat Fanzine |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081119151603/http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/howling%20bells.htm |archive-date= 19 November 2008 |access-date= 4 March 2011}}</ref>|align= right |width= 15%}}

Howling Bells parted ways with Bella Union and, in 2008, signed a deal with record label [[Independiente (record label)|Independiente]].<ref name="4tr">Strange, Francesca (March 2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413215814/http://www.4ortherecord.com/Howling-Bells-Interview.html?searched=howling+bells&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1+ajaxSearch_highlight2 "Howling Bells: Interview"]. 4orTheRecord.com. Archived from [http://www.4ortherecord.com/Howling-Bells-Interview.html?searched=howling+bells&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1+ajaxSearch_highlight2 the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/music-magazine/music-magazine-features/label-profile/label-profile-independiente-807331.html |title= Label Profile: Independiente |last= Birke |first= Sarah |date= 11 April 2008 |newspaper= The Independent |location= London, UK |publisher= Independent Print Limited) (Alexander Lebedev, Evgeny Lebedev |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080701025839/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/music-magazine/music-magazine-features/label-profile/label-profile-independiente-807331.html |archive-date= 1 July 2008 |access-date=2 April 2011}}</ref> The band worked with producer and mixer [[Dan Grech-Marguerat]] ([[Radiohead]], [[Paul McCartney]]) and recorded its follow-up album, ''Radio Wars'', at several different recording studios.<ref name="ra">{{cite AV media |people= The Range on [[Radio Adelaide]] • Brown, Jonathan (Host); Stein, Juanita (Guest) |date= 20 January 2009 |title= ''"Interview – Juanita from the Howling Bells"'' |url= http://therange.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/howlingbellsinterview.mp3 |format= mp3 |medium= Radio broadcast |publisher= [[University of Adelaide]] ¤ Automattic |location= Australia |access-date= 27 February 2011 |time= <sup>''a''</sup> 8:35, <sup>''b''</sup> 9:41, <sup>''c''</sup>&nbsp;10:25, <sup>''d''</sup> 10:50 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110831002154/http://therange.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/howlingbellsinterview.mp3 |archive-date= 31 August 2011 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081206093345/http://www.solarmanagement.co.uk/solar_2007/producers_details.php?producer_id=3  "Producers – Dan-Grech Marguerat – Producer / Mixer"]. Solar&nbsp;Management Ltd. (2008). Archived from [http://www.solarmanagement.co.uk/solar_2007/producers_details.php?producer_id=3 the original] on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2011.</ref> At times, the members found it difficult to work with their new producer. However, they have stated that in retrospect, they learned a great deal from him and felt fortunate for having the experience of collaborating with him.<ref name="ra"/>

''Radio Wars'' was first released in the UK in March 2009, and it appeared in several other countries shortly thereafter.<ref name="nmepv"/><ref>[https://archive.today/20240525081256/https://www.webcitation.org/5yWNvAufL?url=http://musicbrainz.org/release/cf733b05-1bc2-4814-a994-cac68e3f119c.html "Howling Bells – ''Radio Wars"'']. MusicBrainz. MetaBrainz Foundation. (2009). Archived from [http://musicbrainz.org/release-group/31e2c014-0385-3461-8ee8-343d0bfe41df the original] on 8 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2011.</ref> The album signalled a change in direction. The band's music had become brighter and more accessible and placed a greater emphasis on keyboards.<ref name="vh2"/><ref name="ra"/> Consequently, reviews were mixed. [[BBC Music]] claimed "the second chance may well have been squandered."<ref>Burgess, Keira (20 February 2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413221811/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/c6bd "Howling Bells ''Radio Wars'' Review"]. BBC Music. [[The Crown]]. Archived from [https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/c6bd the original] on 1 April 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.</ref> [[Gigwise.com|Gigwise]] called it "an album of mashed-up half ideas."<ref>Bye, Jon (4 March 2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20090305120941/http://www.gigwise.com/reviews/albums/49632/Howling-Bells---Radio-Wars-Independiente-Released-020309 "Howling Bells – ''Radio Wars'' (Independiente) Released:02/03/09"]. [[Gigwise]]. Giant Digital. Archived from [http://www.gigwise.com/reviews/albums/49632/Howling-Bells---Radio-Wars-Independiente-Released-020309 the original] on 5 March 2009. Retrieved 3 March 2011.</ref> In a positive review, [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] described it as "anthemic, edgy, stomping indie rock at its best."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090303045138/http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/review/album/s2503429.htm "Reviews: Music > Howling Bells: ''Radio Wars"'']. [[ABC Online]]. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). (27 February 2009). Archived from [http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/review/album/s2503429.htm the original] on 3 March 2009. Retrieved 4 March 2011.</ref> It peaked in the Top&nbsp;30 in Australia and just outside the Top&nbsp;50 in the UK.<ref>Wallace, Ian (13 April 2009). [https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/aest/20090420000000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20090420-0000/issue998.pdf "The ARIA Report"]{{cbignore|bot=medic}}(PDF). ARIA. Australian Recording Industry Association. (998): 6. Archived from on 30 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011. '''Note''': A free, open-source original online document for this reference does not exist. In this case, the original is from Pandora Archive and was preserved there on 20 April 2009.</ref><ref>Zywietz, Tobias (19 September 2010). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110626221224/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK2009.pdf "Chartwatch 2009 Chart Booklet"] (PDF). Zobbel.de (originally from OCC ∞ The Official Charts Company). Tobias Zywietz. p. 13. Archived from [http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK2009.pdf the original] on 26 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011.</ref>

[[File:Juanita Stein, Howling Bells, V Fest Sydney 2009 by Roshan Sukhla.jpg|thumb|left|[[Juanita Stein]], V Festival, Sydney, 2009.]]

Howling Bells headlined a tour of the UK in March 2009, supported by [[The Joy Formidable]] and [[Chew Lips]].<ref name="sngk"/> They played [[V Festival (Australia)|V Festival]] in Australia in April and were then invited to support Coldplay in May and June in North America.<ref name="sngk"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413172342/http://www.nettskinny.com/story/20090504/howling-bells-sign-nettwerk-join-coldplay-spring-tour "Howling Bells Sign To Nettwerk; Join Coldplay Spring Tour"]. (5 April 2009). [[Nettwerk Music Group]]. Nettwerk One Publishing. Archived from [http://www.nettskinny.com/story/20090504/howling-bells-sign-nettwerk-join-coldplay-spring-tour the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2011.</ref> The band played more festivals in Europe, including [[Hop Farm Festival|Hop Farm]], [[Hard Rock Calling]], and [[Pukkelpop]].<ref name="sngk"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110720000329/http://www.anrworldwide.com/newsletter/20090601.php "A&R Worldwide – Newsletter CCXIX"]. A&R Worldwide. Pangaea Entertainment Group, LLC. (3 June 2009). Archived from [http://www.anrworldwide.com/newsletter/20090601.php the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2011. '''Note''': Under Heading: Artist Updates at Supervision Management ? [[¶]] III.</ref> They supported Coldplay again for three nights of their European leg in August and September.<ref name="sngk"/> The group returned to Australia to write music for its third album and to tour in December.<ref name="tosp"/><ref name="vh2009">{{cite AV media |people= ''Video Hits'' • Agolley, Faustina (Host); Stein, Juanita; Moule, Glenn (Guests)|date= 5 December 2009 |title= ''"Video Hits Homebake 09 – Howling Bells"'' |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vgX2_FapcU  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/7vgX2_FapcU |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|format= FLV |medium= Web video |publisher= Ten Network Holdings |location= Australia |access-date=24 March 2011 |time= <sup>''a''</sup> 5:10, <sup>''b''</sup> 5:52, <sup>''c''</sup> 6:15}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Howling Bells received much praise from bands they supported on tour. Coldplay's [[Chris Martin]] advised his audiences to download Howling Bells' song "Nightingale."<ref>Perkins, Tessa (24 June 2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413222903/http://www.pressplus1.com/concert-reviews/coldplay-viva-la-vida-concert-tour-2009.html "Coldplay Viva La Vida Concert Tour 2009"]. Press+1. Kindah Mardam Bey. Archived from [http://www.pressplus1.com/concert-reviews/coldplay-viva-la-vida-concert-tour-2009 the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref> In July, Snow Patrol's [[Gary Lightbody]] named the group as his "Band of the Week" in ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite journal |url= http://news.qthemusic.com/2009/07/gary_lightbodys_band_of_the_we_7.html |title= Gary Lightbody's Band of The Week: Week 9 |last= Lightbody |first= Gary |date= 6 July 2009 |journal= [[Q Magazine]] |location= London, UK |publisher= [[Bauer Media Group]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090708105048/http://news.qthemusic.com/2009/07/gary_lightbodys_band_of_the_we_7.html |archive-date= 8 July 2009 |access-date=12 March 2011}}</ref>

Juanita made the decision to develop her on-stage persona in 2008 and 2009. She became more confident, animated, and outgoing in her interactions with the audience and in her choice of clothes and hairstyles.<ref name="ra"/> In March 2009, Gigwise proclaimed her "the sexiest woman in rock."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090321002121/http://www.gigwise.com/article.php?id=49940&image=24 "The 25 Sexiest Women In Rock!"]. Gigwise. Giant Digital. (17 March 2009). Archived from [http://www.gigwise.com/article.php?id=49940&image=24#gallery the original] on 21 March 2009. Retrieved 4 March 2011.</ref> She also placed among the top ten of ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'' magazine's "Top Woman of 2009" list.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/2009-top-woman-pt-4 |title=2009 Top Woman, Pt. 4 – Lily Allen/Juanita Stein |last=Annan |first=Nick |date=31 December 2009 |journal=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |location=Dundee, Scotland |publisher=John O'Rourke |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413223808/http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/2009-top-woman-pt-4 |archive-date=13 April 2011 |access-date=4 March 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>

===''The Loudest Engine'' (2010–2012)===
{{Main|The Loudest Engine}}

Howling Bells began writing material for ''The Loudest Engine'' in mid–2009, and expressed hope that 2010 would see the release of the album, but it did not.<ref name="vh2009"/><ref>Thompson, Jody (17 May 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20121020021644/http://www.spinner.com/2011/05/17/howling-bells-killers-mark-stoermer-interview/ "Howling Bells Say the Killers' Mark Stoermer 'Became Like a Band Member'"]. [[Spinner (website)|Spinner]]. [[AOL]]. Archived from [http://www.spinner.com/2011/05/17/howling-bells-killers-mark-stoermer-interview/ the original] on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 17 May 2011.</ref> Juanita labelled the band's new writing as "real organic, real jammy ... very melodic, but very raw."<ref name="rave1"/><ref name="vh2009"/> They played new material during their December 2009 Australian tour. One critic described it as "a more rollicking, rock and roll approach."<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/18493/82/ |title=Howling Bells/ Mapletons/ Papa Vs Pretty |last=Thrower |first=Matt |date=15 December 2009 |journal=Rave Magazine |location=Sydney, NSW |publisher=Colin Rankin |issue=921 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413224207/http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/18493/82/ |archive-date=13 April 2011 |access-date=5 March 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> In 2010, the band severed its partnership with Independiente and later negotiated a contract agreement with [[Cooking Vinyl]].<ref name="hbmau">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110804004440/http://howlingbellsmusic.com/about-us/ "About Us < Howling Bells"]. HowlingBellsMusic. Juanita Stein. (2011). Archived from [http://howlingbellsmusic.com/about-us/ the original] on 3 August 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.</ref>

In September 2010, Howling Bells started recording ''The Loudest Engine'' at the Killers-owned [[Battle Born Studios]] in Las Vegas.<ref name="hbmau"/> It was produced by bassist [[Mark Stoermer]], whom the group had met while it toured with The Killers.<ref name="mm">{{Cite journal|last=Kanoniuk |first=Lachlan |date=22 September 2011 |url=http://mixdownmag.com.au/2011/09/22/howling-bells/ |title=Howling Bells: Firing All Cylinders |issue=209 |page=28 |journal=Mixdown |location=Melbourne, VIC |publisher=Furst Media Pty Ltd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017024243/http://mixdownmag.com.au/2011/09/22/howling-bells/ |archive-date=17 October 2011 |access-date=16 October 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> The relationship between Stoermer and Howling Bells strengthened after the band disembarked from its flight to Las Vegas. The flight had been delayed by more than 12&nbsp;hours, but he had nonetheless waited for them at the airport. Howling Bells were impressed by his style of work. Rather than overproducing, he kept the amount of takes to a minimum and allowed the band just to play, which kept the sessions very natural.<ref name="mm"/><ref name="vp">Von Pip, Andy (29 September 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20111023230519/http://vonpipmusicalexpress.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/howling-bells-loudest-engine-special/ "Howling Bells ''The Loudest Engine'' Special – Album, Gig and Interview"]. The Von Pip Musical Express. Automattic. Archived from [http://vonpipmusicalexpress.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/howling-bells-loudest-engine-special/ the original] on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2011.</ref> The band members became less conscious of trying to please other people, made the record that they wanted, and hoped that it would change people's attitudes toward the band.<ref name="hbmau"/>

''The Loudest Engine'' was first issued in Australia in September 2011.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120717235253/http://musicbrainz.org/release-group/5ae43e9a-0fcc-4e61-9d30-e127e2a8286d "Howling Bells – ''The Loudest Engine"'']. MusicBrainz. MetaBrainz Foundation. (2011). Archived from [http://musicbrainz.org/release-group/5ae43e9a-0fcc-4e61-9d30-e127e2a8286d the original] on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.</ref> The album received mostly favourable reviews from music critics, but it did receive its share of negative response as well. ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' magazine rated the release 8/10 and praised it as the band's finest album to date.<ref>Bloggs, Joe (October 2011). ''Mojo'' (London, UK: Bauer Media Group). (215). {{ISSN|1351-0193}}.</ref> On the opposite end of the spectrum, ''NME'' rated it 2/10 and claimed that it "<nowiki>[fell]</nowiki> flat in a puddle of [[Middle of the road (music)|MOR]]."<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/howling-bells/12302 |title=Album Review: Howling Bells – ''The Loudest Engine'' – Third album from Juanita Stein's gang |last=Sheffield |first=Hazel |date=6 September 2011 |journal=NME |location=London, UK |publisher=IPC&nbsp;Media, Time Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024195900/http://www.nme.com/reviews/howling-bells/12302 |archive-date=24 October 2011 |access-date=23 October 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} '''Note''': Included in 10 September 2011 print edition, p. 47. {{ISSN|0028-6362}}.</ref> ''The Loudest Engine'' charted in both the UK and Australia.<ref>Zywietz, Tobias (24 September 2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110926084726/http://zobbel.de/cluk/110924cluk.txt "Chart: CLUK Update 24.09.2011 (wk37)"]. Zobbel.de (originally from OCC ∞ The Official Charts Company). Tobias Zywietz. Archived from [http://zobbel.de/cluk/110924cluk.txt the original] on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.</ref><ref>Wallace, Ian (27 September 2011). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215152306/https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20111005231105/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110930-0001/Issue1126.pdf |date=15 February 2020 }}(PDF). ARIA. Australian Recording Industry Association. (1126): 8. Archived from [http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110930-0001/Issue1126.pdf the original] on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2011. '''Note''': A free, open-source original online document for this reference does not exist. In this case, the original is from Pandora Archive and was preserved there on 30 September 2011. Chart placement represents ARIA Top 100 Physical Albums.</ref> To coincide with the release of the album, Howling Bells played a short six-date tour of the UK. In November, they supported [[Elbow (band)|Elbow]] in Europe, and later that month they returned to Australia, where they headlined shows in December.<ref name="sngk"/> Following this, bass guitarist Brendan Picchio left the band and was eventually replaced with Gary Daines.<ref>Geddes, Jonathan (4 June 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140819220400/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/entertainment/music/howling-bells-are-back-on-the-road-again-165967n.24389514 "Howling Bells are back on the road again: AUSSIE band Howling Bells took a few years off – then put together an album in just 11 days."]. ''[[Evening Times]]'' (Glasgow, Scotland: [[Newsquest]]). Archived from [http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/entertainment/music/howling-bells-are-back-on-the-road-again-165967n.24389514 the original] on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014.</ref>

===''Heartstrings'' (2013–2014)===
{{Main|Heartstrings (Howling Bells album)|l1=Heartstrings}}
[[File:Joel Stein, King Tut's, June 2014.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Joel Stein, [[King Tut's Wah Wah Hut|King Tut's]], 2014]]

''Heartstrings'' materialized following a brief hiatus by Howling Bells, whereupon the band members worked on other projects.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140528113334/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-entertainment/music-and-gigs/music-interview-howling-bells-1-6630075 "Music interview: Howling Bells"]. ''[[Yorkshire Evening Post]]'' (Leeds, UK: [[Yorkshire Post Newspapers]]). (26 May 2014). Archived from [http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/what-s-on/arts-entertainment/music-and-gigs/music-interview-howling-bells-1-6630075 the original] on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.</ref> Additionally, Juanita became a first-time mother after giving birth.<ref name="bn">Bertok, Nina (14 March 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140402102310/http://londontheinside.com/2014/03/14/interview-howling-bells/ "Interview: Howling Bells"]. London on the Inside. Ben Smith. Archived from [http://londontheinside.com/2014/03/14/interview-howling-bells/ the original] on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.</ref> This, along with frustration from the long period of inactivity and creation inspired her and she started to write songs again, at which point she got the other members of the band involved.<ref name="dis18">Maine, Sammy (18 February 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140224174335/http://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4147437-howling-bells--fourth-album-is-a-moody-barrel-of-songs-new-track-premiere "Howling Bells: Fourth Album is a "Moody Barrel of Songs" + New Track Premiere"]. [[Drowned in Sound]]. Silentway. Archived from [http://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4147437-howling-bells--fourth-album-is-a-moody-barrel-of-songs-new-track-premiere the original] on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.</ref><ref name="rus">Godwin, Alexandra (June 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140820191443/http://www.russhmagazine.com/arts-music/music/howling-bells-interview/ "Howling Bells"]. ''[[Russh]]'' ([[Woollahra]], NSW: Switzer Media and Publishing Pty Ltd.) (58). Archived from [http://www.russhmagazine.com/arts-music/music/howling-bells-interview/ the original] on 20 August 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.</ref> They made demos and sent them out to prospective producers, one being [[Alan Moulder]] ([[Nine Inch Nails]], [[The Smashing Pumpkins]]). Moulder was busy at the time so he recommended that the band contact an assistant of his, Catherine J. Marks ([[Foals (band)|Foals]], The Killers), who after meeting, Howling Bells chose to produce the album.<ref name="bn"/><ref>Crane, Larry (30 July 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140819172623/http://www.tapeop.com/interviews/102/catherine-marks/ "Catherine J. Marks: Happy Accidents"]. ''[[Tape Op]]'' (Sacramento, CA: John Baccigaluppi). (102): 22–24. Archived from [http://www.tapeop.com/interviews/102/catherine-marks/ the original] on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014. {{subscription required|s}}</ref>

In November 2013, Howling Bells recorded ''Heartstrings'' at [[Assault & Battery Studios]], in London.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140411051911/https://twitter.com/howling_bells/status/399511834841317376 "Day1 @AssaultBattery in London, recording our new album with the awesome @cjmarks and Alan Moulder...let it begin!"]. [[Twitter]]. (10 November 2013). Archived from [https://twitter.com/howling_bells/status/399511834841317376 the original] on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014.</ref> The album was primarily produced by Marks, but Moulder supported the effort and was given credit as co-producer.<ref name="bn"/><ref name="dis18"/> Marks set the tone of the environment in the recording studio and the band felt extremely open and comfortable in her presence. Her female nature was credited with her ability to elicit exceptional performances from the band, more so than any of her record producer counterparts who worked with Howling Bells previously.<ref>{{cite AV media |people= The Other Woman • Barnes, Ruth (Host); Stein, Juanita (Guest) |date= 12 May 2014 |title= ''"Juanita from Howling Bells interview from 2"'' |url= http://audioboo.fm/channel/ruthbarnes |format= mp3 |medium= Digital radio |publisher= [[Amazing Radio]] |location= Gateshead, UK |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140726130257/http://audioboo.fm/channel/ruthbarnes |archive-date= 26 July 2014 |access-date=19 August 2014 |time= 1:26}}</ref> The band moved on from former label Cooking Vinyl and established a partnership with Birthday Records, a small, independent record label founded by former [[Kaiser Chiefs]] drummer, [[Nick Hodgson]].<ref name="dis18"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130128022032/http://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/68360 "Nick Hodgson explains his exit from Kaiser Chiefs"]. ''NME'' (London, UK: IPC Media, Time Inc.). (25 January 2013). Archived from [http://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/68360 the original] on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013.</ref>

''Heartstrings'' was released worldwide in June 2014.<ref name="dis18"/> The album received generally favourable reviews from music critics. ''[[NME]]'' rated it 7/10 and professed, "Howling Bells aren't back to their best, but they're within touching distance".<ref>Welch, Andy (30 May 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140707111019/http://www.nme.com/reviews/howling-bells/15362 "Howling Bells – ''Heartstrings'': Eight years on from their debut, the Aussie band return to form"]. ''NME'' (London, UK: IPC Media, Time Inc). Archived from [http://www.nme.com/reviews/howling-bells/15362 the original] on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2014. '''Note''': Included in 31 May 2014 print edition, p. 35. {{ISSN|0028-6362}}.</ref> ''Q'' magazine rated it 3/5 and commented, "''Heartstrings'' lacks the killer song that would bring Howling Bells the success they undoubtedly crave".<ref>Bloggs, Joe (July 2014). ''Q'' (London, UK: Bauer Media Group) 109. {{ISSN|0955-4955}}.</ref> The album failed to chart in any nation. Howling Bells headlined shows throughout the UK in May and June. They played [[V Festival]] in the UK in August and a short series of shows in Australia and New Zealand in September.<ref name="sngk"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140625063225/http://www.vfestival.com/lineup/ "V Festival 2014"]. V Festival. Maztec Ltd. & Roseclaim Ltd. (2014). Archived from [http://www.vfestival.com/lineup/ the original] on 25 June 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.</ref>

===Later years and new projects (2014–present)===

The band became largely inactive through 2015 and 2016. In a Facebook post, Juanita Stein described the band's inactivity as "an unplanned hiatus" while also announcing her launch of a solo career.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stein |first1=Juanita |url=https://www.facebook.com/13480186258/photos/a.457215786258/10154451455321259/ |website=Facebook |access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> The band played their final show to date at the 2017 Margate Wonderland festival at [[Dreamland Margate]], alongside [[The Kills]] and [[Carl Barât]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Margate Wonderland 2017 |url=https://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/hackneywonder/2017margate/ |website=eFestivals}}</ref>

In November 2017, Joel Stein's solo project, Glassmaps, released ''Strangely Addicted'', their debut album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glassmaps Gives Us A Psychedelic Taste Of His Upcoming Album 'Strangely Addicted' |url=https://aupium.com/2017/10/13/glassmaps-gives-us-a-psychedelic-taste-of-his-upcoming-album-strangely-addicted/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527220933/https://aupium.com/2017/10/13/glassmaps-gives-us-a-psychedelic-taste-of-his-upcoming-album-strangely-addicted/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=27 May 2022 |website=Aupium |date=13 October 2017 |access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>

[[Juanita Stein]] has released solo albums of her own, including ''America'' (2017), ''Until the Lights Fade'' (2018) and ''Snapshot'' (2020).

In January 2022, the band reunited to perform their debut album in its entirety at a series of live gigs at various venues throughout the UK, including Brighton, Manchester and London.<ref>{{cite web | date=16 December 2021 | publisher=Louder Than War | 
url=https://louderthanwar.com/howling-bells-reunite-for-the-first-tour-in-seven-years/ | title=Howling Bells reunite for the first tour in seven years}}</ref>

==Influences and musical style==
Members of Howling Bells cited [[The Beatles]], [[Charles Mingus]], [[Peter Green (musician)|Peter Green]], [[Vinnie Colaiuta]], and [[Jimi Hendrix]] as influences.<ref name="nla2" /><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.australianmusician.com.au/articles/798-howling-bells-radio-wars |title=Howling Bells – ''Radio Wars'' |last=Phillips |first=Greg |date=19 June 2009 |journal=Australian Musician |location=[[Oakleigh, Victoria|Oakleigh]], VIC |publisher=XJS Marketing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413221029/http://www.australianmusician.com.au/articles/798-howling-bells-radio-wars |archive-date=13 April 2011 |access-date=5 March 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> The catalyst for the change from Waikiki to Howling Bells was Juanita and Joel's trip to see [[Black Rebel Motorcycle Club]] in Australia. They saw this band shrouded in red lights, and it created an atmosphere that inspired them to alter their musical direction.<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref>{{Cite journal |url= http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/brmc.htm |title= Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Live @ Bristol Anson Rooms |last= Bateman |first= Steve |date= 16 November 2007 |journal= Repeat |location= Greater London, UK |publisher= Repeat Fanzine |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071207214810/http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/brmc.htm |archive-date= 7 December 2007 |access-date=5 April 2011}} '''Note''': Question 9.</ref> The band's style has been compared to that of [[Siouxsie and the Banshees]],<ref name=penny>Anthony Strutt. [http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Article/3928/Interviews/Howling-Bells--Interview "Howling Bells  Interview"]. Pennyblackmusic.co.uk. 24 May 2006. Retrieved 10 May 2015. Archived from [https://archive.today/20180829151533/http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Article/3928/Interviews/Howling-Bells--Interview the original] on 15 August 2018.</ref> [[PJ Harvey]], [[The Velvet Underground]], [[Nick Cave]], [[Mazzy Star]], and [[The Duke Spirit]].<ref name="rpfoz"/><ref>Diver, Mike (17 May 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413184316/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/7451/reviews/841350- "Releases / Howling Bells – ''Howling Bells"'']. Drowned in Sound. Silentway. Archived from [http://drownedinsound.com/releases/7451/reviews/841350- the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2011.</ref> Stein has cited female singers such as [[Siouxsie Sioux]], PJ Harvey, [[Chrissie Hynde]] and [[Debbie Harry]].<ref name=penny />

Their music has been called [[folk rock]], melodic blues, and [[alternative country|country]]-[[gothic rock|goth]].<ref name="idp1"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070819162109/http://www.uterwincenter.com/press/2007/0404Killers.html "Press Releases: Howling Bells set to open for The Killers next Friday at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center"]. UTErwinCenter.com. [[University of Texas]]. (4 April 2007). Archived from [http://www.uterwincenter.com/press/2007/0404Killers.html the original] on 19 August 2007. Retrieved 3 April 2011.</ref> Juanita disagrees with the group's gothic characterization.

{{Quote box |quoted= true |bgcolor= #FFFFF0 |quote= For [critics] to romanticize this sense of darkness{{nbsp}}... It’s just the music we like. |salign= right |source= – Juanita Stein referring to being labelled as "Goth"<ref>{{Cite journal
 |url=http://www.venuszine.com/articles/music/6151/Howling_Bells_Juanita_Stein_aims_to_ring_loud_and_clear_while_waging_Radio_Wars_stateside 
 |title=Howling Bells' Juanita Stein aims to ring loud and clear while waging ''Radio Wars'' stateside 
 |last=Fragassi 
 |first=Selena 
 |date=23 July 2009 
 |journal=[[Venus Zine]] 
 |location=Chicago, IL 
 |publisher=Anne Brindle, Marci Sepulveda 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413230816/http://www.venuszine.com/articles/music/6151/Howling_Bells_Juanita_Stein_aims_to_ring_loud_and_clear_while_waging_Radio_Wars_stateside
 |archive-date=13 April 2011
 |access-date=5 April 2011 
 |url-status=dead
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref>|align= left |width= 20%}}

The style of ''Howling Bells'' was greatly influenced by film.<ref>Harrt, Michael (26 June 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110303091014/http://yourgigs.com.au/interviews/index.cfm?interview_id=87949 "Press Releases: Howling with the Bells"]. [[ninemsn]]. [[Nine Entertainment Co.]] [[Microsoft]]. Archived from [http://www.yourgigs.com.au/interviews/index.cfm?interview_id=87949 the original] on 3 September 2007. Retrieved 2 April 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |people= ''Video Hits'' • [[Axle Whitehead|Whitehead, Axle]] (Host); Stein, Juanita; Stein, Joel (Guests) |date= 2 July 2006 |title= ''"Howling Bells Video Hits Interview pt.1.5"'' |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTrpymYHJoc  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/HTrpymYHJoc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|format= FLV |medium= Television production |publisher= Ten Network Holdings |location= Australia |access-date=5 April 2011 |time= 0:15}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Steins and Picchio have expressed admiration of [[Cinema of France|French films]] in particular.<ref>Jones, Neil (22 March 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110413225328/http://miwsig.net/SexyCoolRomantic.html "Sexy, cool, romantic and, you know, a little bit... fucked up – Neil Jones with Howling Bells at The Pointe"]. Miswig. Scott Jones. Archived from [http://miwsig.net/SexyCoolRomantic.html the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2011.</ref><ref>McNaney, Luke (24 August 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20071028124911/http://www.cdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=3312 "Howling Bells Interview"]. CD Times. Poisonous Monkey Ltd. Archived from [http://www.cdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=3312 the original] on 29 August 2006. Retrieved 11 March 2011.</ref> Juanita has stated that she enjoyed bringing the strange and ethereal energy from those films into their music.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/the-bells-ring-out-416930.html |title=The Bells ring out |last=Mugan |first=Chris |date=22 September 2006 |newspaper=The&nbsp;Independent |location=London, UK  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415211923/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/the-bells-ring-out-416930.html |archive-date=15 April 2011 |access-date=2 March 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> To describe the sound of Howling Bells' debut album, critics used terms like dark, brooding, and Americana.<ref>Digravina, Tim (2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110518105453/http://www.allmusic.com/album/howling-bells-r843016/review "Howling Bells – ''Howling Bells"'']. Allmusic. [[Rovi Corporation]]. Archived from [http://www.allmusic.com/album/howling-bells-r843016/review the original] on 15 April 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2011.</ref> ''NME'' described it as "the sound of PJ Harvey hitching a ride with The Velvet Underground through Twin Peaks."<ref name="blu"/>

{{Listen |filename= HowlingBellsCitiesBurningDown.ogg |title= "Cities Burning Down" (2009) |description= The ominous tone of the music reflected in the song "Cities Burning Down," from Howling Bells' second album, ''Radio Wars''. |filename2=HowlingBellsOriginalSin.ogg |title2="Original Sin" (2014) |description2= The third single from Howling Bells' fourth album ''Heartstrings''. |pos= right}}

The second album, ''Radio Wars'', in which the band experimented with [[synthesizer]]s and [[drum machine]]s, had a more electronic pop sound.<ref name="rpfla"/><ref>{{cite AV media |people= SAPO (Production); saponoticias (Author) |date= 1 August 2009 |title= ''Howling Bells: Indie pop da Austrália'' |url= https://videos.sapo.pt/r4hP9PLbkDM40p7BWh9z |format= FLV |medium= Web video |trans-title=Howling Bells: Indie pop from Australia |publisher= PT Comunicação S.A |location= Paredes de Coura, Portugal |access-date=5 April 2011 |time= 2:00}}</ref> They also incorporated arrangements of [[string instrument|string]] and [[brass instrument|brass]] into the album.<ref>Leahey, Andrew (2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110503233843/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1606309 ''"Radio Wars'' Howling Bells"]. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from [http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1606309 the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2011.</ref> Their goals were to make a different kind of record by exploring other genres of music and to create something more insightful and futuristic.<ref name="idp1"/><ref name="4tr"/> Not unlike the first record, ''Radio Wars'' contained elements of dark subject matter. "Cities Burning Down," the darkest track from the album, was a song that Juanita and Moule wrote together.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110413232339/http://www.the-plug.com/events-and-tickets/live/howling-bells-magi-joy-formidable-two-skies "Howling Bells + The Magi + The Joy Formidable + Two Skies"]. The-Plug. Scott Bailey, Adele Armitage. (14 March 2009). Archived from [http://www.the-plug.com/events-and-tickets/live/howling-bells-magi-joy-formidable-two-skies the original] on 13 April 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2011.</ref> Its lyrics were inspired by the apocalyptic sound of the music, which they created first.<ref name="4tr"/>

''The Loudest Engine'' features a sound adapted to the genres of folk and rock, more so than the previous two Howling Bells records.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.nme.com/news/howling-bells/57448 |title=Howling Bells reveal new album release date |date=20 June 2011 |journal=NME |location=London, UK |publisher=IPC&nbsp;Media, Time Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622032728/http://www.nme.com/news/howling-bells/57448 |archive-date=22 June 2011 |access-date=20 June 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> Juanita explained that the band relied less on the sound technology that was prominent in ''Radio Wars'', instead returning to the more organic state of ''Howling Bells''.<ref name="rave1"/> For the new album, Joel was inspired by [[prog rock]] and [[krautrock]] acts such as [[Amon Düül]] and [[Aphrodite's Child]].<ref>{{cite AV media|people=[[Radcliffe & Maconie]] • Radcliffe, Mark (Host); Stein, Juanita; Stein,&nbsp;Joel (Guests) |date=9 May 2011 |title=''"Radcliffe & Maconie with Howling Bells"'' |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011026t |format=mp3 |medium=Radio broadcast |publisher=BBC |location=London, UK |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024032524/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011026t |archive-date=24 October 2011 |access-date=23 October 2011 |time=14:40 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} '''Note''': Interview was removed from its host site. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from [http://www.mediafire.com/listen/er1jsqg8a03tgok/Howling_Bells_interview_with_Mark_Radcliffe_BBC6_Music_09May2011.mp3 here].</ref> Howling Bells were inspired by [[The Doors]] documentary ''[[When You're Strange]]'', which the members watched just before beginning to record ''The Loudest Engine''.<ref name="vp"/>

''Heartstrings'', like the first record, was very much influenced by film, and is recognized for its cinematic quality.<ref name="sys">[https://web.archive.org/web/20140601060949/http://somethingyousaid.com/2014/05/28/howling-bells-heartstrings/ "Howling Bells talk film inspiration"]. Something You Said. Robert Townsend. (28 May 2014). Archived from [http://somethingyousaid.com/2014/05/28/howling-bells-heartstrings/ the original] on 1 June 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.</ref> Juanita indicated that they deliberately made the album to sound like a soundtrack to a movie.<ref name="boxx">Skleba, Stephen (20 June 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140801041732/http://boxxmagazine.com/2014/06/howling-bells-return-pull-heartstrings/ "Howling Bells return to pull at our heartstrings"]. (Chicago, IL: Boxx). Archived from [http://boxxmagazine.com/2014/06/howling-bells-return-pull-heartstrings/ the original] on 1 August 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2014.</ref><ref>Florino, Rick (16 June 2014). [https://web.archive.org/web/20140702111805/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/interview-howling-bells/10996400 "Interview: Howling Bells"]. [[Artistdirect]]. Rogue Digital, LLC. Archived from [http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/interview-howling-bells/10996400 the original] on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014.</ref> Howling Bells along with the production team watched ''[[Paris, Texas (film)|Paris, Texas]]'' and ''[[Blue Velvet (film)|Blue Velvet]]'', in an effort to replicate the mood, emotion, and atmosphere of these two films in particular.<ref name="rus"/><ref name="boxx"/> Other films that played a significant role in the making of ''Heartstrings'' include, ''[[Badlands (film)|Badlands]]'', ''[[Bonnie and Clyde (film)|Bonnie and Clyde]]'', ''[[Klute]]'', ''[[Léon: The Professional]]'', ''[[Nashville (film)|Nashville]]'', ''[[Pleasantville (film)|Pleasantville]]'', ''[[The Last Picture Show]]'', and ''[[Vivre sa vie]]''.<ref name="sys"/>

==Discography==
{{Main|Howling Bells discography}}
*''[[Howling Bells (album)|Howling Bells]]'' (2006)
*''[[Radio Wars (album)|Radio Wars]]'' (2009)
*''[[The Loudest Engine]]'' (2011)
*''[[Heartstrings (Howling Bells album)|Heartstrings]]'' (2014)

==Awards and nominations==

{{Awards table|3}}
|-
| 2006
|''Howling Bells''
| Australian Music Prize
| {{nom}}
| 
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.australianmusicprize.com/2006-shortlist |title=2006 Shortlist |publisher=Australian Music Prize |access-date=22 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822153321/https://www.australianmusicprize.com/2006-shortlist |archive-date=22 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Howling Bells}}
*{{Official website|howlingbells.co.uk}}
*{{Facebook|howlingbells|Howling Bells}}
{{Howling Bells}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Musical groups established in 2004]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Sydney]]
[[Category:Australian indie rock groups]]
[[Category:Bella Union artists]]
[[Category:Cooking Vinyl artists]]
[[Category:Nettwerk Music Group artists]]
[[Category:PIAS Recordings artists]]
[[Category:Independiente Records artists]]