The Neverbells

“The Neverbells” formed in 2008 in Adelaide, South Australia. The musicians made the right decision to get a recording out relatively quickly and the seven-track debut album “Dreamland” gives us a taste of the band’s talents.

The Never Bells" play regularly in Adelaide venues and have had a lot of stage experience. It has also allowed them to test their compositions on the public and make decisions about what songs people like and what to change and improve. Guitarist, bassist, Amr Zaid and keyboard-wizard Mike Raine write most of the songs, although the credits attribute the whole band.

The album - rather than as a failed EP - was included with the financial support of the local South Australian government and is quite a rough start with the songs "Gift" and title track "Dreamland". But then there comes "Second Chance", "Places" and "Twenty-First Day”, the ballad tour continues with melancholic and melodic pop laden sounds, however, the beautiful "Fortune's Door" would sound better with Spanish strings.

Singer, Kaliah Alice’s haunting vocal performance has natural blues tones and some jazz and folk influences. In those quieter numbers, we believe some musical influences of
singers like Beth Orton or Sarah Blasko are likely, Reportedly, the live shows of “The Neverbells” are energetic, with a lot to offer the crowd. Maybe this EP will open a few doors to Europe for the group, so we can check out all the good things we have heard about “The Neverbells” and see for ourselves, if it is true.
- Rootstime.be

Dreamland is a brand new release from brand new Adelaide outfit The Neverbells who have been causing a bit of a stir in local media of late. The Neverbells are comprised of members of various other Adelaide bands from the last 10 years, and thus one can appreciate that the for a first release, the quality of music, song writing and recording is naturally better than that of most Adelaide band's debut.

Opening track ‘Gift’ sets the tone for the release, broody, melodic music which is layered with Kaliah Alice’s unique vocals. There are some great harmonies in this track, I can’t help feeling that the music takes a backseat to the vocals in the mix of the track, though.

Title track ‘Dreamland’ is an upbeat jazzy number, very funky bass line, key boards and vocals interweave with percussive vocals to create a great lounge track. The addition of some horns early on in this piece would really make it a killer song.

A more sombre ‘Second Chance’ leads into the middle of the EP, The Neverbells seem to miss whatever it is that they are aiming for with this song, and unfortunately, it lacks dynamics and gets a little repetitive.

Angie Hart would be impressed with Fortunes Door, the upbeat pop track channelling a bit of Frente’s ‘Accidentally Kelly Street’ providing a light hearted reprise before the sombre ‘Places’. ‘Places’ opens with a beautiful piano solo, and for the first time in this EP we get a real idea of what Kaliah Alice is actually capable of as a vocalist and a lyricist. There is a wonderful emotional build at the end of this track in which the band emits desperation and determination that is really well captured in the song.

Acoustic track ‘Twenty First Day’ is a long, slow lament that Kate Miller-Heidke has made fashionable again; unfortunately in this instance the song doesn’t really build to anything and is essentially is the weakest track on the album.

Dreamland finishes up with closing track ‘Let Myself Down’, and yep, this song is a bit of a let down too. The frustration and despair expressed in the lyrics aren’t emphasised by the music, and it all seems a little lacklustre.

Dreamland is an adventurous output for such a young band in terms of how long The Neverbells have been making music together. It’s clear that they are capable of more depth and maturity in their musical endeavours though, and I look forward to seeing where these guys go with their song writing.
- Music SA