Bell Weather Department

Bell Weather Department’s self-titled debut is not a bad album. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Unfortunately, imagination is exactly where the Sydney quintet fall a little short.

The expansive record brings to mind Oasis, Blur, The Beatles and The Beach Boys (the opener ‘End Of The Yellow Brick Road’ sounds almost like an outtake from Dennis Wilson’s Pacific Blue).

There are some contemporary-sounding vocals, some delicate electronics and a little of that indefinable Triple J flavour – but it’s nothing we haven’t heard before.

The band’s influences are obvious, but their original songs lack standout qualities. The melodies and arrangements blur a little – particularly on songs like ‘Hole In The Sky’ and ‘St. Michael’s Episode’, which encompass the band’s range of songwriting styles.

This isn’t to say the album lacks impressive moments. ‘The Pursuit Of Blue’ culminates in a beautiful piano arrangement drifting from a warped and crackling vinyl record. ‘Voodoo Hoodoo’ is the star of the show, a heavy yet catchy rocker that shakes the album up with a bluesy opening riff.

Overall, Bell Weather Department have created a competent record that does a good job of announcing their arrival. However, it’s clear they’re still struggling to find their own voice.

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