The Bellbirds were formed mid-2009 with songs and vocals in a stripped back setting as a way of making sure lyrics and melodies didn’t get lost behind noisy instrumentation. At the moment Sean is writing most of the songs and is trying to make them simple, honest and direct. The default musical setting is 2 acoustic guitars plus piano with occasional touches of brass, organ and percussion.

With the melodies and harmonies of a 60s baroque pop sensibility combined with bittersweet lyrics; the birds and bees are miserable but achingly beautiful.

The jewel in the crown here is the soulful, emotional voice of Sandy Mill. The diamond-studded scepter is Victoria Kelly’s spellbinding voice and keyboards. The throne itself: Don McGlashan’s powerful vocal and instrumental presence. And finally the very royal haemorrhoid cushion of Sean Donnelly’s mildly inept guitar and bass work stops the whole thing from becoming too slick and professional.

Watch this space….

• Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
• Real Estate
• Wooden Shjips
• Urge Overkill
• St Vincent