Album: ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH
Artist: SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE
Genre: #indie, #experimental
Sub-Genres: #noisepop, #psychedelic, #hypnagogicpop, #dreampop
Label: Saddle Creek
Non-Airable Tracks: N/A
Description: This album is many, many things... all at once. That's why it's so great.
I originally came across SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE's music a few years ago. The group's 2018 album, Hypnic Jerks, made it's way to me through social media. While I was definitely appreciative of the experimental take on dream pop they provided, I did not return to the album until after listening to this new record, ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH. I am so incredibly regretful that I passed this band's sound up at first. I have been SO obsessed with this new album since my first listen.
ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH is easily one of the most exciting and adventurous albums of 2021 so far. Although certain elements of their visual identity may imply that they are a just a straight-forward indie rock band, they are anything but that. There is still plenty for fans of artists like Alex G to enjoy here, but SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE pushes the envelope for what a lo-fi indie rock album can be after a decade of "post-Demarco-isms" being at the forefront of the genre. Above the hypnotic song-writing are layers of sounds that evoke many styles and show off influences in noise, electronic music, and sound collage. Some moments feel like Teen Suicide, and other moments feel like Dean Blunt. The incredibly diverse range of sounds on this album create a unique experience so different from anything else that has come out this year. It also helps that these sounds are blended seamlessly throughout the whole project.
Some songs on this album (BAD SON, THE SERVER IS IMMERSED) work very well on their own, while others (the first 3 tracks) are much better in the context of listening to the full record. That shouldn't take away from how exciting this project is though. And, if anything, I hope it encourages you to give it a full listen! I'm really excited to hear what comes next from SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE, and all of the "weird" indie records that will undoubtedly be influenced by albums like this for years to come!
Sounds Like:
Horse Jumper of Love
Alex G
Julia Brown
Recommended Tracks:
GIVE UP YOUR LIFE
THE SERVER IS IMMERSED
IT MIGHT TAKE SOME TIME
Reviewer’s Name: George Romero
Date of Review: April 27, 2021