In August 2005 American rock columnist Chuck Klosterman  declared ‘The Golden Age of Wolf Rock’. He cited examples such as emerging indie rock bands Wolf Parade, Wolf Eyes, Superwolf, Peanut Butter Wolf (in his words, furry and delicious) and Australia’s own Wolfmother. Little did he know that down under we were jumping further onto the wolf bandwagon - that the wolf would howl all night. Melbourne group Wolf and Cub started turning heads and the Midnight Juggernauts EP Raised by Wolves became increasingly difficult to find in record shops. The Presets’ film clip for ‘The Girl and the Sea’ featured a mermaid and a wolf.

About the same time an Aussie band was living in London, coming up with a new identity for their group.Waikiki became The Howling Bells, for few reasons that their record company could fathom. The most feasible reason is that they don’t have to play their back catalogue at gigs. Waikiki’s music was distinctive for being sweet and rocking at the same time, with Juanita Stein’s distinctive voice cutting through the guitars with an Aussie accent.

A mature and subdued crowd came together at the Annandale Hotel to see what The Howling Bells had to offer. The band came on, and there was nothing radical about the transformation. They are still a four piece with the style queen Juanita in front and her brother Joel beside her.

The music was sweet and lyrical. There were moments of frantic energy and other moments of blissful contemplation. The songs developed and then rocked out, the guitar melodies were uplifting and pleasurable. Overall the music is sophisticated and interesting. Compared to Waikiki’s music it’s…quite similar. If you were a fan a few years ago you’ll really dig it, and if not give it another chance and you’ll probably be converted.

The live show gave extra energy and gravity to the tunes. ‘Low Happening’ really rocked out and left everyone on a high note. Although the band didn’t return for a well deserved encore. Everyone whispered that they didn’t have anything else to play, but maybe they didn’t want to overstay their warm welcome.