The Whistles and the bells
modern plagues (2017)
For his sophomore LP under the alt-rock moniker The Whistles & the Bells, acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Bryan Simpson collaborated with a wide range of like-minded musicians from The Raconteurs’ Brendan Benson to longtime cohort and fellow Cadillac Sky member Matt Menefee to rising Nashville singer/songwriters Brooke Waggoner and Phoebe Cryar. Co-produced by Simpson and engineer Eddie Spear (Judah & the Lion, Lake Street Dive, Rival Sons), Modern Plagues' 11 expansive tracks deliver eye-opening lyrical insights and audacious verbal imagery while displaying a freewheeling sonic sensibility that draws inspiration from a bottomless well of genres and textures.
“The Whistles and the Bells' 2nd album is a winner...The elimination of genre limitations allows [Simpson] to explore every color of the musical rainbow, with exhilarating results.” - Associated Press
“[Simpson’s] original off-the-wall undertakings are reminiscent of the whimsical and whip-smart work by David Byrne, Jim James and the Decemberists’ Colin Meloy...The lyrics will make you think until your head explodes.” - The Huffington Post
"Be sure to turn the lights down, put these songs on and sip a glass of red wine because that is the best way to enjoy this beautiful, strange magic." - EARMILK
“These aren't just random whistles and bells. Hooks abound, tying the cornucopia of noise together, and Simpson's social commentary provides further glue.” - Associated Press
“...the 11-track set feels like the product of a more sanguine, Fun-loving Father John Misty.” - AllMusic
“Tying everything together are three things: snarly vocals, literate and pointed lyrics, and creative muddling of roots and pop music traditions...The musicians Simpson gathers, including Brooke Waggoner on keyboards, create tight grooves, holding back most of the time, jumping out front in short bursts, serving the songs reverentially.” - Blogcritics
premieres/exclusives
EARMILK - "Ode To Yeezus" Premiere
American Songwriter – “Harry Potter” Premiere
The Huffington Post – "Good Drugs" Premiere
East of 8th – “ZOMBIE HEARTZ” Premiere
FEATURES/SPOTLIGHTS
Rolling Stone Country – SXSW Showcase Review
Bullet Music – "[Interview] The Whistles and the Bells Premiere Modern Plagues"
ALBUM REVIEWS
tour dates
CONTACTS
General Manager
Santo Pullella – santo@headwestpresents.com
Booking: Atomic Music Group
Logan Bosemer – logan@atomicnashville.com
Press: New West Records
Brady Brock – bradybrock@newwestrecords.com
Radio: New West Records
Joel Habbeshaw – joel@newwestrecords.com