CSN, Jimmy Cliff, The Specials, Tower of Power, and The Who are just a few of the influences you’ll hear on The Bees’, (or Band of Bees depending on your continent of choice) latest effort, Octupus. The first time I listened to the disc, I spent so much time trying to figure out the various influences that I lost track of just how incredible the whole album is.
UK’s The Bees seamlessly flow from one style to the next without giving it a second thought. With every turn you are greeted with a nice little surprise. My two favorite things about this disc:
1. The Horns.
Many times bands with a horn section will overpower you to show their “soul.” They try to shove their funkiness down your throat and if you’re like me, you don’t like funk in your throat. I think the difference between an average horn section and a great one is the ability to be subtle by providing nice fills that give a tune that extra sizzle. You barely even notice it. The Tower of Power horn section is a perfect example. Their solos were amazing but their fills were the driving force in their best work. On songs like “Left Foot Stepdown” and “Got To Let It Go,” The Bees truly hit it out of the park.
2. The Rhythm Section.
Folk, ska, reggae, soul. Whatever you want to throw these guys, they lay down a phenomenal beat that allows to music to really groove. If you want to get down with a retro-groove, bouillabaisse of amazing music, then get on board. You will be humming and singing these songs long after you are done listening to them.
The Bees - Who Knows What the Question Is? (Compliments of Idolator)
The Bees - Love in the Harbour
The Bees - This is for the Better Days (Compliments of Raven Sings the Blues)
I also recommend checking out both of the blogs mentioned above, if you haven’t already.
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Fantastic album all the way through. Great recommendation.
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