HOWLING BELLS Strange Life Tour

Howling Bells have recently announced the release of 'Strange Life', their first album in over 12 years, on the 13th February 2026 via Nude Records. 

Today, they release a new album track, 'Chimera'.

Juanita explains: "Chimera is a strange word. It means a few different and curious things; in this context, however, I’m using it to mean something of an absurd nature, unattainable, a fantasy. Such is the relationship we have with music at times. This song speaks to my experience as a musician, surviving the perpetual ups and downs of the game. But if you’re lucky enough, you have someone who can cut through the noise and help you realise that the fantasy is half the joy. That the longing is part of the journey and that our achievements along the way are deeply meaningful. At its core, 'Chimera' is a song about hope and relinquishing control". 

Howling Bells have recently announced the release of 'Strange Life', their first album in over 12 years, on the 13th February 2026 via Nude Records. 

Juanita explains: "Chimera is a strange word. It means a few different and curious things; in this context, however, I’m using it to mean something of an absurd nature, unattainable, a fantasy. Such is the relationship we have with music at times. This song speaks to my experience as a musician, surviving the perpetual ups and downs of the game. But if you’re lucky enough, you have someone who can cut through the noise and help you realise that the fantasy is half the joy. That the longing is part of the journey and that our achievements along the way are deeply meaningful. At its core, 'Chimera' is a song about hope and relinquishing control".  Since their beginnings, breaking through with their acclaimed self-titled debut back in 2006 amidst a landscape of scrappy British indie and skinny-jeaned male dominance, the Australian trio - vocalist/guitarist Juanita Stein, her brother and guitarist Joel Stein and drummer Glenn Moule - have been something of an anomaly. They might have moved to the other side of the world in pursuit of the dreams that soon became a reality, playing at an NME Tour and then in stadiums supporting Coldplay whilst whipping up acclaim from the most credible ends of the music press. They may have seen various members come and go, but Howling Bells’ hypnotic indie rock always stood apart from the pack and was very much a reflection of their unbreakable union. Influenced by the likes of Tom Waits and Sonic Youth, as well as Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Björk, their recipe created a heady, immersive stew - equal parts sepia-toned romance and gritty rock 'n' roll thrills.

‘Strange Life’ is both a vibrant document of and an exploratory testament to this alchemical magic. 

The band’s first album since 2014's ‘Heartstrings’, 'Strange Life' was recorded with Howling Bells’ long-time friend and collaborator, producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, Elbow) at his Agricultural Audio Studios.