Bell X1

For a band that are more popular in their homeland of Ireland, they sure do know how to sell out to a fussy London crowd. They are here to promote their latest release 'Blue Lights On The Runway’ which is actually their forth studio album. Packed like sardines in a tin can is the best way to describe the capacity of the Scala this evening. Not surprisingly, there are a fair few Irish fans in the crowd tonight and they eagerly anticipate the arrival of the band. Entering the stage, if you’re not familiar with Bell X1, they make sure that everyone in their audience is at ease and having a good time, even though they look like a force to be reckoned with.

To experience Bell X1 live is truly something else. 'Blue Lights On The Runway’ is tipped to be the album that breaks them and you can see why. Lead, Paul Noonan, just oozes charisma and charm, making the audience listen intently. Noonan picks up his acoustic guitar and tenderly strums the chords to 'Bad Skin Day’, which is from their last album 'Flock’. The song starts slowly and builds up into this intense release of emotion. It is an utterly stunning track and you can tell that the crowd are in awe of them. They all work so well as a band and respond to each other instinctively.

There’s no denying that the band bare striking similarities to Talking Heads, but that just makes you fall for them even more so. They swing into another acoustic number, this time it’s 'Next To You’ from 'Music Is Mouth’. During the song they include a line from 'Miss Jackson’ by Outkast, and it really does go down a treat.

As the set progresses, more tunes from the new album start to flow, including the electronicy single 'Great Defector’ which is Talking Heads through and through. Whereas 'A Better Band’ has cool electronic effects and a touch of mystery to it. The long instrumental solos shows off their full range and talents, producing an epic sound.

Returning to the stage for a four song encore, the fans are obviously appreciating the range of songs they have played this evening. Earlier on in the set, Noonan apologised for the lack of old numbers in the set, but the crowd instantaneously forgave him as he gave them an awesome set. Two songs which did stand out wholly in the encore were a touching and very delicate version of The Clash’s 'I Fought The Law’. The whole of the Scala is in hushed silence when Noonan plays this on his own and it is beautifully done. Also 'Breastfed an 80’s synth-tastic number’, which Noonan declares as a protest song’ 'Milk. For those who skim it, add vitamin A and D. Just leave that shit alone!' he playfully bellows.

Bell X1 proved tonight that they are here to conquer London with their refreshing sound and that they have the ability to storm the scene. Watch this space.