Trembling Bells

Trembling Bells

Trembling Bells are a Glasgow folk-rock group formed in 2008 by drummer Alex Neilson. The line-up includes Lavinia Blackwall, Mike Hastings, Alex Neilson, Simon Shaw and Ben Reynolds. Their music sits across folk, folk rock, indie folk, neo-psychedelia and pop.

Background

The band is based in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Neilson has a background in free and improvised playing with a range of artists, which informs the group’s sound. Blackwall, on vocals, keyboard and guitar, has previously played with Neilson in Directing Hand and is also a member of The Pendulums. Hastings, who plays guitar, harmonica and vocals, has worked with Blackwall in several projects including The Pendulums and is also a songwriter, solo guitarist and one half of Mike and Solveig. Shaw, on bass and vocals, is also a member of Glasgow folk-rock group Lucky Luke.

Recording and releases

From 2012, the group also records as Trembling Bells & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. Their albums include Carbeth, Abandoned Love, The Constant Pageant and Dungeness. Their final release is a 2019 Record Store Day 10-inch, I am the King, made with Neilson’s solo project Alex Rex.

Later activity

Blackwall leaves the band in 2018, and the group subsequently announces a split, with members moving on to individual projects. Blackwall later releases a solo single, “Waiting for Tomorrow”, and an album, Muggington Lane End. Shaw’s band Youth of America releases its debut album YOA Rising on Fighting Swans Records.