Drawn From Bees
Fear Not The Footsteps Of The Departed
14 Track, LP (2010, Bonefinger Records)
Related: Drawn From Bees.
Beware artists who tag themselves “art rock”. Which is exactly where Brisbane quartet Drawn From Bees positioned themselves with the release of their first EP, The Boy And The Ocean, in late 2008. They’ve since adhered to an admirable work ethic that’s seen them write, record and self-release material every six months under their own label, Bonefinger Records. Fear Not The Footsteps Of The Departed is their first full-length.
Drawn From Bees aren’t short on ambition, nor willingness to experiment with different songwriting styles. This isn’t amateur hour: every sound here is calculated almost to the point of sterility. As a result, what they achieve with polish is offset by an absence of warmth and humility. The songs are damned good, but it’s a record largely devoid of personality.
The best song here is ‘Stand Against The Storm’, an urgent track backed by foreboding percussion and fitting, if awkward lyrics: “This is a mess, I fear/And the chances are that the rain has come.” Another highlight is Dan James’ near-operatic falsetto, which entwines ‘Too Long’, forming an unconventional, yet surprisingly effective hook. Some might be put off by the band’s reliance on four-part harmonies, but it’s less a Little Red-style gimmick than the most plainly arresting element of their sound.
Such traits go a long way toward endearing Drawn From Bees to the listener. Their studious approach may lack in charm, but musically, the band deliver melodic and memorable hooks in spades.
by Andrew McMillen
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Good review Andrew. I have to say I've always found this band supremely mediocre and have always been very surprised at the level of attention and decent gigs they get. Guess that's just the biz though...
I like this album - got it last week!