Bella Union


Reviews


Bikini Atoll (2005)


Liar's Exit
Compelling second album from London-based art rockers and Pennyblackmusic Bands Night stars Bikini Atoll, which was recorded in Chicago with Steve Albini


Czars (2002)


Val
Laid back and minimalistic new CD single from Colorado alternative rock group, the Czars


Dears (2004)


Lost In The Plot
Strong new single from new Bella Union signing the Dears, which recalls in moments Morrissey at his best


Departure Lounge (2002)


King Kong Frown
Energetic introductory single to their forthcoming third album ‘Too Late To Die Young’ from Departure Lounge, one of the mainstays of ex Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie's Bella Union label


Departure Lounge (2002)


Too Late To Die Young
Relaxing third album from London-based four piece, signed to ex-Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie's Bella Union label.


Emmy the Great (2020)


April
Reflective latest album from indie artist and multi-instrumentalist Emmy The Great, which was inspired by a visit to her childhood home in Hong Kong



Explosions In The Sky (2003)
Explosions In The Sky - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
Inspiring and provocative post rock from Texan band, Explosions in the Sky, who have just signed to the Bella Union label


Ezra Furman (2022)
Ezra Furman - All of Us Flames

All of Us Flames
Intelligent and heartfelt sixth solo album from poetic American singer-songwriter Ezra Furman


Father John Misty (2022)
Father John Misty - Chloe And The Next 20th Century

Chloe And The Next 20th Century
Heartwarming and immaculate fifth album from Father John Misty, the moniker of Seattle singer-songwriter Josh Tillman


Gwei Lo (2001)
Gwei Lo - Gwei lo

Gwei lo
A sad story greets the listener to this brilliant debut mini-album from Cambridge band Gwei-lo - their first is also their last recording. A decision was made to release the album bearing testament to


Robert Gomez (2007)
Robert Gomez - Brand New Towns

Brand New Towns
Well-produced, but unmemorable new CD from Texan singer-songwriter Robert Gomez , who inlcudes in his fan base Norah Jones


Robin Guthrie (2003)
Robin Guthrie - Imperial

Imperial
Splendid solo album consisting entirely of insturmental music from ex-Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie



Various (2003)
Various - At Least You Can Die With A Smile On Your Face

At Least You Can Die With A Smile On Your Face
Impressive a double compilation, which features songs by all the bands that have appeared on ex-Cocteau Twins Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde's Bella Union label, and also a few extras


Various (2001)
Various - Bella Union Sampler

Bella Union Sampler
Bella Union, an independent West London based label, has been running for 4 years now and since it was first established by Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde, has attached to its roster several great b


Violet Indiana (2001)
Violet Indiana - Special

Special
The London based label, Bella Union, has further expanded its reputation for seemingly endless musical creativity with another amazing record. 'Special' is the third single of the duo Violet Indiana,


Violet Indiana (2004)
Violet Indiana - Russian Doll

Russian Doll
Dreamy ,long-overdue second album from Violet Indiana, the latest band of former Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie, which proves to have been definitely worth waiting for


Wavves (2009)
Wavves - Wavves

Wavves
Loud and fuzzy melodic electronic pop, all recorded through a computer, on highly promising debut album from Wavves, the moniker for San Diego-based musician, Nathan Williams


Profiles

Interview with Simon Raymonde Part 2 (2003)

Miscellaneous - Interview with Simon Raymonde Part 2

In the second part of our interview, Olga Sladeckova continues to talk to label boss Simon Raymonde about Bella Union, which is now one of Britain's biggest indepedent record labels


Interview with Simon Raymonde Part 1 (2003)

Miscellaneous - Interview with Simon Raymonde Part 1

In the first part of a two part interview, which we are running concurrently this month, Simon Raymonde talks with Olga Sladeckova about Bella Union, the label that he first set up with his ex-Cocteau Twin band mate Robin Guthrie six years ago


Live

93 Feet East, London, 17/9/2003

Miscellaneous - 93 Feet East, London, 17/9/2003

At an evening put together by the Bella Union label to showcase three of their newest bands, Olga Sladeckova enjoys strong performances from Jetscreamer, Duke Spirit and Bikini Atoll, the first of whom were making their London debut


Related


Interviews

Departure Lounge
Interview Departure Lounge - Interview

Despite its members now living in three different countries, Bella Union signing Departure Lounge have recently released their most acclaimed album yet with 'Too Late to Die Young'. Olga Sladeckova speaks to the band about their career to date


Explosions in the Sky
Interview Explosions In The Sky - Interview

Instrumental Austin based band Explosions in the Sky have just released their third album . 'The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place' through Bella Union. Drummer Chris Hrasky chats about it,their British debut, and the group's plans to tour Europe


Garlic
Interview Garlic - Interview

Garlic have now released acclaimed two albums through Bella Union, the latest of which is 'Jam Sabbatical'. They talk to Olga Sladeckova about playing support to New Order at Brixton Academy, and their unconventional use of sleeve imagery


Howling Bells
Interview Miscellaneous - Interview

Widely acclaimed, Australian group Howling Bells have just released their debut album on Bella Union Records. Anthony Strutt talks to lead singer Juanita Stein about their decision to move to Britain and her band's cinematic brand of rock


Simon Raymonde
Interview Snowbird - Interview

The owner of the populat Bella Union Records, former Cocteau Twins guitarist, Simon Raymonde, back for a second interview with us, talks to Olga Sladeckova about his label and Snowbird, his and his partner, singer-songwriter Stephanie Dosen's new band


Stephanie Dosen
Interviews Stephanie Dosen - Interviews

One of the latest signings to the Bella Union label, Stephanie Dosen has recently relocated to London from her rural home in America. Benjamin Howarth speaks to her about 'A Lily for the Spectre', her much acclaimed new album


Live

Czars
London Borderline, 8/10/2002 Czars - London Borderline, 8/10/2002

One of the most popular bands on former Cocteau Twins' guitarist Robin Guthrie's Bella Union label, Denver's the Czars recently played an extensive tour of Europe. Olga Sladeckova catches them on a hot night at the London Borderline