The Bells

The Bells certainly are a past due-’90s gathering of music artists from rings including Ministry, the Revolting Cocks, and Gastr del Sol, amongst others, leading to unexpectedly soft, lush, and introspective pop music. Called after the famous Albert Ayler launch on ESP as well as the Lou Reed recording that came nearly 15 years later on, both apparently becoming preferred albums of Bells’ innovator Chris Connelly, previously of rings the Revolting Cocks and Ministry. Led by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Connelly, the Bells also contains the multi-instrumental skills of Jim O’Rourke from Gastr del Sol and Crimson Krayola, William Rieflin of Ministry, and previous Seal guitarist Chris Bruce. The Bells’ debut, Best Seaside Companion, premiered on Chicago’s Strike It! Recordings in fall 1997.