Bells Of

Bells Of

Bells Of - 00/85

The MoveSounds

***1985 was a transitional period for the Washington DC music scene. Founding members of the hardcore movement pulled away from its original trajectory in search of a new musical direction. Rites of Spring, Embrace, and Gray Matter are all well-known and well-documented examples of this time and shift that came to be known as Revolution Summer. But theirs were not the only voices. In the early months of 1985, 17-year-old guitarist LAWRENCE MCDONALD set out to form a new band. His ex-bandmates from his previous hardcore band CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Punishment were doing the same—Mike Fellows with Rites of Spring and Colin Sears with Dag Nasty. Lawrence found vocalist ALEC MACKAYE (FAITH), drummer PETE WILBORNE (THE 400), and bassist BLEU KOPPERI and BELLS OF was born. Inspired by the budding movement of the time, the band moved quickly. By summer they began their first recording at Inner Ear Studio with DON ZIENTARA, and on August 11, 1985, Bells Of played their first show, opening for Rites of Spring and Embrace. Unfortunately, Alec departed soon after, leaving the recording without vocals and the band without a vocalist.  Not wanting to lose momentum, and having written all the lyrics anyway, Lawrence returned to Inner Ear to sing his songs for the first time. He pulled fellow skater JASON FARRELL into the band as second guitar to help in a live setting while Lawrence transitioned to lead vocals and guitar. On October 25, 1985, Bells of played their second show, again with Rites...

Bells Of

00/85

Teenbeat

Bells Of

Young Mcdonald And The 5 Season Farmers

Teenbeat

***Former semi-pro skateboard and current organic farmer/guitarist/singer/composer, LAWRENCE MCDONALD, releases his fifth album under the moniker BELLS OF. The band started off with members of Dischord bands FAITH and RITES OF SPRING, but Lawrence has always remained the one constant member. The band has evolved into something not at all hardcore, but something like a song-based free jazz indie-pop band. Lightning-quick guitar work, unusual melodies and spoken/sung scratchy vocal delivery comes together as experimental-improv pop music. (STREET DATE - 4/27/2010)

Bells Of

To Dos Or Not 2

Teenbeat

Bells Of

3's Company

Teenbeat

***Originally founded in 1984 with ALEX MACKAYE (FAITH IGNITION) the band continues on under the steady guidance of LAWRENCE MCDONALD. Recalling the vocal style of Fugazi's Guy Picciotto the songs are strong and straightforward yet retain enough tension to make it all work. Inspired.

Bells Of

11:11

Teenbeat