The Bells are a late-'90s gathering of musicians from bands including Ministry, the Revolting Cocks, and Gastr del Sol, among others, resulting in unexpectedly soft, lush, and introspective pop music. Named after the legendary Albert Ayler release on ESP and the Lou Reed album that came almost 15 years later, both apparently being favored albums of Bells' leader Chris Connelly, formerly of bands the Revolting Cocks and Ministry. Led by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Connelly, the Bells also includes the multi-instrumental talents of Jim O'Rourke from Gastr del Sol and Red Krayola, William Rieflin of Ministry, and former Seal guitarist Chris Bruce. The Bells' debut, Ultimate Seaside Companion, was released on Chicago's Hit It! Recordings in fall 1997. ~ Joslyn Layne, Rovi