The Bees
Southend-on-Sea Chinnerys
22nd February, 2007

Playing their first, sold-out gig of their 2007 tour, The Bees fascinate with their brand of honeyed eclectica. It’s a constant wonder why there isn’t a bigger buzz surrounding them. But then, the shambling six-piece who between them sport the history of 70s facial hair and hats, are just too difficult to define for the mainstream, swooping from dub to rock, to hoedown and back again. The stage is a hive of activity during this showcase for new album Octopus, with instruments constantly swapped and vocals shared – only Hammond player Warren Hampshire and lead guitarist Kris Birkin stay in place all night. Their disparate palette offers up Blockhead-worthy funk ((This Is For The) Better Days); straight-ahead rock (Horseman) and dance setpieces in Chicken Payback and A Minha Mehina, which get the floor moving. By the time of encore These Are The Ghosts, the crowd are in as much of a shambling, relaxed state as the band themselves.