This is a one off event, and actually seems pretty interesting for those that live in Melbourne. Any one that’s lived in Melbourne for more than a few years knows of the bells due to their weekly cacophony. It would seem that a couple of goth/industrial bands, A Dead Forest Index and Forces, have taken it upon themselves to make them sound less crap. Here’s the (modified) copy:

The Federation Bells is an installation of 39 computer-controlled harmonic bells, originally created in 2001 by Anton Hassel and Neil McLachlan to mark the centenary of Federation. Now, after more than a decade, the bells have been given a new lease of life, with innovative striker mechanisms, new computer controllers and new lids. The result is a remarkable improvement in the bells’ dynamic sensitivity, timing and tone.

On Friday 13th April, the bells will be re-launched in an eerie late night event. Two of Melbourne’s most progressive musical outfits, A Dead Forest Index and Forces are creating new musical works for the re-invigorated Federation Bells, to be triggered live alongside voice, guitars, drums and loops. Starting after 10pm, this event is part of City of Melbourne’s Late Night Programming and is one of those rare events that is destined to become one of 2012’s talking points.

Forces (vocalist/producer, Alex Akers and percussionist/programmer, Thomas Henderson) have been winning over audiences in clubs around Melbourne and beyond with their minimal electronic and Goth-industrial dance sounds. The duo has penned new tracks infused with dark timbres specifically for the Federation Bells, and will be making full use of the metronomic hammers that have recently been installed.
A Dead Forest Index is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. Brothers Adam and Sam Sherry combine evocative vocals with ethereal, acoustic instrumentation to create an original sound that is at once startling and haunting, For Friday 13th they will combine with Morgan McWaters (The Emergency) playing the Federation Bells live.

The Federation Bells can be found on the Middle Terrace of Birrarung Marr, between Federation Square, the Yarra River and the MCG.

As with all gothy performances, there is also an official afterparty at  The Liberty Social

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