Music
Press
“Bells Clanging is an eclectic, smooth, and subtle evolution of traditional folk and pop. Comprised of a hybrid of electronic beats, loops, live instrumentation and unique harmonies, Starnes’ captivating song writing manages to create something so unique and yet so familiar, that his songs are capable of being both intriguing and comforting at the same time. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that’s what we call ‘art.’”
“With a little help from guitarist Carla Gillis and her sister Lynette on drums (both formerly of indie darlings Plumtree), Starnes is able to capture ... electronic, hypnotic, and melodic magic.”
R.C. Joseph, 24 HOURS, May 18, 2006 - 24 Hours
“The new tracks sound GORGEOUS. Layers and layers! The endless rain is falling into a paper cup.” --Mariner Janes, Vancouver poet. - Mariner
“I'm really honored to be letting you in on one of the best kept secrets of vancouver.... Jason Starnes (ex-Kids These Days) meshes live synthesis with soaring melodies. Think Kraftwerk covering early Built to Spill and vice-versa.”
--Ryder Havdale, White Whale Records - White Whale
"Jason Starnes' absolutely beautiful singing voice complements perfectly with the band's dynamically intricate sound, easily making Bells Clanging one of the latest must-see bands in Vancouver."
--Ben Lai, Discorder Magazine, CiTR 101.9 FM.
- Discorder
Discography
Debut EP early 2008
Photos
Bio
The sound of bells clanging marks the hour, raises an alarm, or seals a wedding. Harbingers of joy, catastrophe or revelation, Vancouver four-piece Bells Clanging crafts virally memorable pop songs with emotional melodies and an innovative technical approach that combines electronic and acoustic instruments.
The band is fueled by Jason V. Starnes' golden voice, which is impossibly high and yearning. His lyrics mix hopeful melancholy with contemplative wonder, drawing influences from avant-garde poetry, Carl Sagan, and Thom Yorke.
Initially Bells Clanging was a one-man club - just Starnes, a drum machine and his beloved analogue synths. It began around 2005, after the sunset of Kids These Days, a revered Vancouver indie rock band in which Starnes was a key songwriter and singer. But creating music with machines can be lonely. Last year, drummer Lynette Gillis (Bontempi, Plumtree) came aboard to add a human pulse. Carla Gillis (Bontempi, Plumtree) and Geoff Miller (Bontempi) soon followed, bringing searing, fed-back guitar, harmonies worthy of the '70s, and structural bass lines locked to the relentless midi-clock.
Bells Clanging plays and records on the West coast, gathering a dedicated and growing fan base. Look for their debut e.p., |The Law of Averages| online.
The band was recently invited to perform at Toronto's infamous No Shame series, debuting to a capacity crowd. Further shows and recording in Toronto are imminent. Future plans include a Seattle/Portland/San Francisco jaunt in May and a June tour through Ontario and Quebec to coincide with the release of their e.p.
Links
