Artist: She Keeps Bees

Album: Nests

Alright. This week I have been nerding out on a album that’s been in my collection for a couple of years now, and I have to say that I still get the same feeling that I did the first time I ever heard it: Nests by She Keeps Bees.

I grew up with an immeasurable admiration of Cat Power and PJ Harvey, two lo-fi, sacred music goddesses who always made me feel welcome in their world. How could I not have a deep, concentrated passion and love for them? So, needless to say, my eardrums and brain had an absolute musicgasm when I happened upon a band that was a damn near perfect fusion of the two!

Nests is, by far, one of the few albums I came across that left a lingering impression. The first time I listened, I was literally covered from head to toe in goosebumps and drunk with intrigue.

The album’s surface-level simplicity might not catch the average ear. However, while truly experiencing the album the way albums should be heard, the sounds made me remember why I obsess about music. When you truly listen to the soulful, intimate voice of Jessica Larrabee (the lead singer and guitarist of She Keeps Bees), you can’t help but love, lust, and listen. At times it seems like she longs for something, and other times she hits you with a strong fight stance in tone. “Gimmie” is the song where she absolutely had me:

The hypnotizing declaration of guitar on Nests is unforgettable. With its heavy and raw reverberation, it is sad and fulfilling in a deeply rooted lucidity. The dark chords compliment her voice almost like a love affair, completely inseparable. Also, it goes without saying that the support of the mesmerizing and potent drums creates a rhythm that wholly ties the album together.

This all being said, if you love gritty, bluesy, sensual, and beautifully melancholy music, then this album is a downright must-have in your music collection if it’s not there already. Even if this is not the kind of music you normally go for, give it a try. You might surprise your senses. I give Nests by She Keeps Bees 9 pleasurable bee stings out of 10!

Well, thanks for nerding out about tunes with me once again. Until next week, find some good music for your earholes!