She Keeps Bees - Minisink Hotel

Artist: She Keeps Bees
Album: Minisink Hotel
Label: n/a

Soulful double-tracked vocals, cavernous reverb, vague but intriguing lyrics, pared-down bluesy orchestration: She Keeps Bees has definitely tuned into what is the current trend in female singer-songwriters. At times I hear too much Cat Power, Feist, Neko Case, or Lucinda Williams (in descending order). It makes me cringe a little, and I have been hesitant to discuss this album because of that derivative air. I’ve been returning to it too much, though, for me to keep holding back. She Keeps Bees may be playing a familiar note, but they play it well, and I am excited to hear what they are doing next (a new album, apparently, is coming in August).

She Keeps Bees – “Revival”

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In trying to describe the feel of this song, I can do little more than: slow, beautiful funeral procession. Let that not creep you out. I love the dancing piano piece over the slower piano beat. The handclaps. The soaring vocals. All of these elements keep me coming back to this song.

She Keeps Bees – “Stand Where I Can See You”

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One of the more upbeat tracks from the album, this song may be less atmospheric than “Revival,” but I think as the first track it sets the tone of the album well. The singer has learned the current vocal style well, pushing every other syllable into a reverb (which I much prefer to melisma, though fun to make fun of).

I’m excited to hear the new album. If you want to hear more, check out the band’s site, look at their myspace, and buy their album.

Filed under soulful, vocal driven |