Ian Bel
Nesoddtangen, Akershus county, Norway
Music
Press
By J. Turner
Being a fan of all things European, I probably should have recused myself from reviewing Ian Bel’s new CD Fake Factory. From Elizabeth Hurley, to spelling words like favorite (see track 12) with a "u," I’m into it, and this album is no exception.
This is Bel’s third release, and although I haven’t heard the others -- yet -- it’s hard to imagine they’re as entertaining as this one. From the engaging staccato riff on track one, "Teenage Vision," to the album’s sultry conclusion, "Agor," this record effortlessly coasts along like a hansom cab through Central Park.
The lyrics are clever, the arrangements original, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bel’s Bowie-esque vocal performance that are well suited for both the faster and slower tracks on the album.
Although Factory features a good balance of tempos and instrumentation, Bel is at his best during the upbeat material like "Teenage Vision" and "Workaholic." Like an oversized tackle box, this album is loaded with hooks, none more apparent than on "London Calling" and "Beauty Queen."
Typically by the end of most LPs that exceed a dozen songs, I can’t seem to find the eject button on my CD player fast enough, but Fake Factory is a notable exception that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in contemporary rock records with a glam twist.
Indie-Music Profile
Artist Website: http://www.ianbel.com
- indie-music.com
Discography
2005:
-"Slave" (single)
-"Limelight" (album)
2006:
-"Baby love" (single)
-"Dubious Believer" (album)
2008\ 2009:
- "Teenage Vision" (single) radio streaming\ radio airplay
Photos
Bio
From participation in various bands,
Ian Bel made his first uno fficial solo-album “Mr Government” 1997.
Six years later he founded the small Indie-label UNO record company (Norway 2003).
“Limelight” was the o fficial debut album released June 2005.
The second album "Dubious Believer" was released in September 2006.
The third album "Fake Factory".. a concept album with a book and some extra material will be released fall 2009.
The book is about the music, and the music is about the book. (so far only in norwegian)
All written and performed by Ian Bel.
The single from the album "Teenage Vision" reached the top ten new songs chart
on the indiependencemusic.net USA may 2008.
Participating on the single "Teenage vision"
he has some great musicians from the band Superfamily (Norway).
IAN BEL (Norway)…
- the video “Slave” from the album “Limelight” has so far been seen by more than 70.000 on youtube.com
Early spring 2008 he participated in a charity concert for the African people.
Inspired by the UN Millennium Development goals.
- has previously produced ”Vignette Music” for the national TV NRK “Mon Tro”,
performed on many stages, and has written a witty children’s book “Martha Martha” 2005.
Links
