FLOCK - BELL X1
Wildly popular in its home country, Ireland’s Bell X1 is known stateside primarily as former bandmates of Damien Rice and a soundtrack source for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The OC.” This should change with its debut U.S. set, which showcases its accessible modern rock and frontman Paul Noonan’s ambitious lyrics. Standout tracks “Flame,” “My First Born for a Song” and “Trampoline” are catchy and literate, building intensity and working in unexpected instrumental flourishes. Noonan’s understated delivery gives story songs like “Rocky Took a Lover” a fine, rueful edge. But his restraint isn’t enough to save the more maudlin tracks, which likely work better in a concert setting.
