Returning to the home studio to heal through life’s harsh realities, psychedelic-infused alt-rock project Bells Deep plans to deliver their most vulnerable and focused album to date, Out to Sea.
Set to drop May 31st, 2024, the experimental album immerses listeners in solo-musician Corey Michael Bell’s emotional journey of despair, bitterness, nostalgia, and the hope that lingers through it all as he faces life’s cruel challenge of sudden loss.
The uniquely titled opener, “I Forgot Who I Was Trying To Impress,” seizes Bell’s epiphany with grandeur and the detriment of desire. As stomping drums and steely guitar embody the frustration of being burned and burned again in the light of perseverance, “Keep touching my stove / And I’m learning my lesson,” he sings against avenging guitar chords.
Waning on the exhaustive side of emotional turmoil, “Longing” distinguishes Bell’s critical thoughts as he is confined by time and selfhood. The project’s ambient undertones emerge, with echoing synth followed by ominous and clock-like guitar. Flowing through the waves of intensity followed by peaceful guitar solos, the Commander Venus-style vocals grasp the duality of one’s constant stream of thought despite changing terrain.
As the fifth track “Broken Clouds” rolls in with its muted melody, the stage is set for the listener to follow Bell’s rolling tides through unpredictable hardship. “You’re leveled in an instant / And you’re lonely and distant,” the second verse divulges. Following a fractured structure, the verses and choruses are occasionally offset by a sudden pause before returning with a gust of energy. Though hopeful tones slowly creep in and overcome the soundscape, the gravity of difficult realities hardens as the guitar solemnly carries the song to its end.
Wrapping up the album is the title track “Out to Sea,” which naturally offers an oceanic, metallic twang emanating from the cigar box guitar to uphold its resentful lyrics. Marking it the most vengeful piece on the album, the impatience and unease bleeds through the workings of the artist’s instruments and vocals. Stylistically pivoting, the hopeful motif prevails still, as the song soothingly carries out with piano, bells, birds, and a sea soundscape.
Coming to us from Los Angeles, Bell is uniquely carving his project’s way in the broad genre of experimental rock music. His instruments communicate with the vocal message unwaveringly, connecting provoked feelings from both with graceful intent. Bells Deep’s vinyl-focused rock label Portal of Eels, founded by Bryan Stevens, establishes the album as their first release and hints at more to come.
Previous releases Canceled Plans (2023) and Eight Hundred Eighteen Degrees In The Valley Revisited (2023 Remix) show the roots of Bell’s creative process – assessing and applying his internal and external environments. Out to Sea follows suit, unfolding the layers of simultaneous struggle and ambition through strapping yet embellished instrumentation.
