SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ANDY BELL – PINBALL WANDERER

ANDY BELL
PINBALL WANDERER
SONIC CATHEDRAL

With his band Ride, Andy Bell helped pioneer and popularize shoegaze, which was massively popular in the ‘90s. For a period of time, he was also the bassist for Oasis and regularly made songwriting contributions. Bell also has been very busy with his solo work lately; releasing multiple albums and EPs since 2020. His latest solo record, pinball wanderer, continues to showcase his brilliant musicianship and impressive versatility.

Bell’s time in Ride undeniably influences this record. The best example is “panic attack”. The way the vocals, instrumentation, and atmosphere mold together to create this wall of sound somewhat similar to what Ride does, especially on their album Nowhere.

However, pinball wanderer sees Bell expanding his sonic world, too. With “space station mantra”, Bell is doing some very riveting and interesting things vocally. Similarly, the instrumentation is equally fascinating. Alternatively, “apple green ufo” which feels like it’s taken straight from outer space, is a vibrantly adventurous exploration of sound and rhythm. Highlights include the groovy and bouncy bass, which is doing tons of movement, the stylish psychedelic guitar lick, and the lively horn section.

“i’m in love…” is a cover of The Passions’ 1981 hit song “I’m In Love With A German Film Star”. This song is easily the highlight from the record. It is quite hard to capture the magic and timelessness of a song like “I’m In Love With A German Film Star”, but Bell, Dot Allison of One Dove, and Michael Rother of Neu! do a tremendous job on this cover. They immaculately capture the hypnotically dreamy guitar riffs, haunting atmosphere, and mesmerizing melody. The guitar textures on the original and cover are just out of this world. Allison’s vocals are just as majestic and beautiful as Barbara Gogan’s. It is an absolutely stunning cover.

The title track is another standout song. This instrumental track is insanely catchy, and a great ‘vibe song’ especially for the nighttime. It feels like a whimsical and intergalactic Neil Young song. Bell smoothly combines blues, folk, space rock, psychedelia, and soft rock.

Overall, Andy Bell’s pinball wanderer is loads of fun with plenty of wonderfully charming experimentation and interplanetary vibes.

Artist Links