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While their touring days ended after a two-year stint, there's still plenty of buzz when it comes to The Beekeepers, a rock band with roots in Derby, England.
The swarm formed in 1993: five guys tinkered around with guitars and basslines, and before they knew it they had cast a sweet list of singles ( Catgut among the first to circuit). Flying from venue to venue, pollinating their unique alt/indie sound, they were soon picked up by Beggars Banquet and ready to cultivate a real cult following.
Soon after signing, a musically inventive, mini-album with mega clout came out: Third Party, Fear and Theft. Nine finely-tuned tracks show all the playful energy and creative witticism of bands like Marcy Playground and Lit.
Take, for example, tracks like Do You Behave Like That At ... and I Only Want To See You; Suffer , with chuckle-worthy titles and subsequently witty lyrics. And amidst all of the clever humor you'll hear addictive backlines, crunching guitars and creative acoustic alchemy.
In fact, "Do You Behave Like That At Home" (one of the band's best-selling singles) was named Single of the Week by the UK's age-old publisher of musical prowess, Melody Maker (which has since merged with New Musical Express).
Waves of energy flit from track to track, and while each song spills over with intense instrumentation, some -- like Elsewhere and Inheritance -- show a softer side. These tunes are heavy with honeyed, three-part harmonies and powerful vocal lines.
After the Bee colony collapsed, different band members recycled their dexterous guitar skills -- forming similar bands (Lucas J.) or starting up solo acts (Jamie East). Currently the Bees are not together (musically, anyway), but this original album shows that once upon a time, The Beekeepers drummed up a buzz-worthy whir.
Additional Tracks:
Fancy Free
5 Interstate
Buy Third Party, Fear and Theft for $2.14
