LA-Based Post-Punk Outfit Death Bells Take the Backseat in Their Video for “Take My Spirit Now”

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False destiny

Set my world on fire

And leave me be

As a testament to the power of surrender and the acceptance of life’s unpredictable ebb and flow, Los Angeles-based ensemble Death Bells debut their intriguing new single “Take My Spirit Now,” accompanied by a captivating new video via Dais Records.

Death Bells skilfully blend their raw, untamed energy with the subtlety of atmospheric sounds and melodies. “Take My Spirit Now” fuses elements of post-punk, alternative rock, and introspective shoegaze, resulting in a sonic tapestry that recalls the aural aesthetics of bands like Interpol, The Walkmen, and My Bloody Valentine.

This latest offering, crafted and recorded in late 2022 following a series of extensive tours across North America and Europe, presents a rich and vibrant sonic landscape. Characterized by the intertwining dance of jagged guitars and towering feedback, underscored by intricately layered drums, it’s a sound that is both striking and engaging.

The lyrics of “Take My Spirit Now” encapsulate a profound feeling of disconnection and longing. It’s a cry for release, a desire for transformation that is both haunting and relatable. This sense of yearning intensifies, as it paints a picture of an individual seeking liberation, even at a great cost. The song takes a turn, hinting at a struggle against predestined paths and a longing for authentic existence. The plea to “set my world on fire / And leave me be” seems to be a call for radical change, a purification through metaphorical flames.

“Take My Spirit Now” probes into the universal themes of love, paranoia, and destiny. As vocalist Will Canning reflects on the genesis of the track, he reveals, “There’s something wild and dangerous about the sound of it, which inspired some of the chorus’s lyrics. The song is more about a feeling than a specific time or place.” This sentiment suggests an intriguing depth to the track, beckoning listeners to immerse themselves in the evocative soundscape Death Bells have created.

The video, directed by Collin Fletcher, has a simple premise: “The idea that sitting in the backseat, going along with the ride, is fun,” he says. “Sometimes you’re on the ride alone, sometimes with someone else. Who’s driving? Doesn’t matter. Where are they going? Doesn’t matter.”

Watch below:

Take My Spirit Now was birthed out of a series of intimate recording sessions at Paradise Studios in Anaheim, as the band delved into the universal human experiences of love, paranoia, and destiny. In crafting the EP, the band sought out the expertise of longtime friend and collaborator, Morgan Wright. Hailing from the Australian label Burning Rose, Wright brought his extensive background in electronic music to the table, subtly shaping the more systematic components of the record. His influence provides an intriguing counterpoint to the band’s raw energy.

Listen below:

Formed in 2015 in Sydney, Australia, Death Bells released their sophomore full-length (and Dais Records debut) New Signs of Life in September of 2020.  In direct response to the pandemic, Death Bells secluded themselves at Bombay Beach to record and release five live recordings of songs from New Signs of Life in April of 2021—  which resulted in Live from Bombay.

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