Howling Bells return with their first new album in over a decade. The Australian trio’s version of hypnotic indie-rock always stood separate from the pack and very much a reflection of their unbreakable union. Equal parts sepia-toned romance and gritty rock’n’roll thrills. Together with long term collaborator Ben Hillier, in the producer’s chair
Howling Bells release “Strange Life”, their first album in over 12 years, on the 13th February 2026 via Nude Records. They have shared the album track ‘Chimera’, laced with evocative synth motifs, glimmering riffs, and the elegant vocals of Juanita Stein. It’s dipped in yearning that details the lows, before sailing into a swelling, airy 80s-echoing chorus that bristles with hope despite the struggle.
Juanita explains: “Chimera” is a strange word. It means a few different and curious things; in this context, however, I’m using it to mean something of an absurd nature, unattainable, a fantasy. Such is the relationship we have with music at times. This song speaks to my experience as a musician, surviving the perpetual ups and downs of the game. But if you’re lucky enough, you have someone who can cut through the noise and help you realise that the fantasy is half the joy. That the longing is part of the journey and that our achievements along the way are deeply meaningful. At its core, ‘Chimera’ is a song about hope and relinquishing control”.
Howling Bells have announced a series of UK in-store shows in February, followed by a headline UK tour in March and April.
‘Strange Life’ is an album that harnesses the unique musical perspective that pricked up the music world’s ears back in their beginnings, but transposes it onto a lifetime’s more experience, ‘Strange Life’ is both familiar and new; a record that will unfurl like an old friend to long term fans whilst speaking in a language that only hard-won experience and a few more trips around the sun can understand. It may be a ‘Strange Life’ and a weird old world, but it sounds better with Howling Bells back in it.
Thursday 19 March – Bodega – Nottingham
The Fat Angel Sings 