Ian Bel  - Fake Factory

A new artist is about to step into the larger European limelight or maybe even the world’s. Norwegian Ian Bel, has already swayed attention in his direction around his homeland and with his video for the track ‘Slave’ receiving in excess of 90,000 hits and the new album ‘Fake Factory’ due for imminent release, it seems only a matter of time before the rest of the globe catches on.

 Thirteen tracks comprise ‘Fake Factory’, a tidy collection of  rock/indie pop and musical ideas. The album opens with a great slice of rock ‘n’ roll in ‘Teenage Vision’. Carrying a delicious piano hook the track bounds along like a persistent wave lapping at the ear, the siren sound staying with you well after the song ends. It is a straight forward but great example of how pop songs should be. The immediate thing that is apparent from the off is Ian Bel’s distinctive voice and one I took a while to warm up to. At times it seems at odds with the music he creates and at others another naturally fitting instrument, one of those voices that is wonderfully unique. Imagine mixing the croonings of Bryan Ferry and Pete Garratt (Midnight Oil) with a dash of Bowieand Numan then you get an idea.

 Bel’s upbringing was heavily influenced by his musical family, his mother a classical pianist and father a folk musician, and being involved with music in some way from an early age. On ‘Fake Factory’ he has brought all that gained knowledge and skill to create its great sounds, his prowess on the piano prominent especially on tracks such as the old time ballad ‘Rose’, and the cool 60’s classic sounding ‘Mr Government’. He is adept at all though, piano, guitars, bass, a one man band who knows not only how to play the songs but write them too. Bel’s music has a late 80’s guitar feel to it as well as a modern rock sound and it is a good blend.  Three tracks especially stand out to illustrate this sound, the excellent ‘Devils Daughter’, ‘London Calling’ and the wonderful ‘Angelic’ each with that distinctive 80’guitar/2010 rock vibe. I do have one tiny criticism of those 3 songs in that they seem to almost share the same melodic hook, not identical but very close, but as that melody is one I delight in I have no real complaints,  it sounds like the great song ‘Sunpots’ by Julian Cope so fine by me.

‘Fake Factory’ is Bel’s third album and is a concept album coming with a book. The book is about the music, and the music is about the book, to understand more simply check out the album. It is a joyful ride of good music, interesting lyrics, and great rock ‘n‘ roll, whether a ballad or a full out indie pop track you are sure to have a good time. With this album Ian Bel will win many more fans and doing what all good music does delivering music to feel good to.

‘Fake Factory’ is out March 19th, until then check out his website at  http://www.ianbel.com

Pete RingMaster 23/02/2011