Bell X1 on "farcical" Anglo Tapes

Bell X1 have spoken of their anger upon hearing the recently published Anglo Tapes.

"Embarrassing. Farcical," Paul Noonan tells Hot Press. "But of course these conversations happen. I don't think it's particularly revealing in that sense. There's an element of pantomime villain about them now as well."

The 2008 recordings find former Anglo Irish Bank chief exec David Drumm talking to then-head of capital markets John Bowe about how close Anglo was to breaking liquidity rules. More tapes have been revealed in recent days.

David Geraghty was taken aback by how they were "being so frivolous with what's not only going to be the downfall of the country, but of individual people who are struggling to put food on the table for their kids.

"How could you be so frivolous about this? I know it's a broad sweeping statement to make but these people come from money and they play with money as if it's never going to really affect them. But on the ground it affects people. That are 'inferior' to them, it seems."

Bell X1, who released their sixth studio LP Chop Chop on June 28, have often commented on Irish politics and the state of the economy in their work.

Paul Noonan continues: "What I found hard to believe is that they can play with money in the knowledge that if it all goes tits up, they'll be bailed out by the state. That they can play their games in the knowledge that they won't pay the ultimate cost."

Look for an in-depth interview with the trio in a forthcoming issue of Hot Press.

Bell X1 have been opening pop-up shops and playing acoustic sets around the country. This afternoon (Tuesday July 9) found them appearing in The Spirit Store, Dundalk, before they play Belfast's Oh Yeah Centre at 7pm.

The band are also set to be the Saturday headliners at this year's Indiependence.

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