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"It certainly doesn't seem like 2 years since their last album but it most definitely is and the wait has been well worth it. Twelve great tracks make up 'The Bells Ring Anyway' and there's a new coherence to these latest songs from the now three piece Machine Breakers. The whole thing has a silkier feel to it, a new richness, a professionalism, yet it still retains the powerful, raw spirit of Julian Pollard's earthy songs. Typically, Simon Othen's guitar work accentuates Julian's own work beautifully as he picks, strums and slides his way effortlessly behind the gritty vocals. New man, Mark Platt, has brought a softness to the mix with his excellent backing vocals, percussion work and fine whistles. There's a variety of moods to take in here and not a bad track in sight. Opening with the punchy, statement laden, 'Mediocrity (UK)' and finishing with the subtle and moving, piano (Steve Preston) backed title track this is a fine, contemporary, piece of work. I particularly liked the moody use of cello (Catherine Oldham) on the superb 'You Haunt Me', the subtle guitar work of the excellent 'One Regret' and the combined vocal work, powerful guitars and brilliant lyrics of 'Hit 'Em Hard’. |