Album Review: Hundred Waters - The Moon Rang Like a Bell

The second release from Hundred Waters, The Moon Rang Like a Bell, finds the band fine-tuning their soft, electronic sound. A new-age experimental band, similar to Alt-J and Imogen Heap, Hundred Waters uses a variety of synthesizers and sound machines to create music that is both rich and beautiful.

The diversity of sounds and instruments on the album produce unique sounds that range from heavy bass lines on “Innocent” to bells and pulsing synths on “[Animal].” The instrumentation creates a quiet aesthetic that blends flawlessly with lead singer Nicole Miglis' haunting voice. 


The Moon allows its listeners to become completely lost in the album’s sonic experience. Almost every song leads directly into the next, creating a continuous piece instead of a broken album of singles. 


Even with its tempo changes, the direction of the album never seems to be lost. After the first five tracks, the pace of the album slows drastically with “Broken Blue” and “Chambers (Passing Train).” This tempo change does not detract from the album; it serves to showcase the beauty of Miglis’ voice by toning down the instruments that sometimes overpower it.

Because of the layering and the quietness of Miglis’ voice, it is often hard to decipher the lyrics. However, this album seems to be more focused on lush and refined instrumentals as opposed to lyrical depth.

The Moon Rang Like a Bell crafts a sonic experience that in this day and age is often lost. With its wealth of sounds, the album keeps the listener intrigued from start to finish.

Hundred Waters will play Local 506 on Wednesday, July 2. GEMS will open. Tickets are $10 via Ticketfly.