The term “barnburner” comes to mind to describe Adam & Beeve, the new record from Denver-based weirdo garage rockers, The Beeves. If I could obnoxiously extend a metaphor here for a second, it feels like the Beeves doused the barn in gasoline, burned the whole thing down and then spit in the ashes. It’s for the most part a rock and roll party punctuated by some surprisingly sincere moments from the young band. Oscillating between Oblivians-styled garage blasts and the twang of Raunch Hands' cowpunk, Adam & Beeve is a surprisingly realized album from a band of guys who are just barely of drinking age.
I bring up their age because there’s a comparison to make here with early '70s KISS. While the Beeves and KISS sound utterly nothing alike, as KISS was cutting their teeth in the world, manager Bill Aucoin would introduce the band with the line, “You wanted the best, and you got it: the hottest band in the land, KISS!” About halfway through the Beeves’ ripper “Jamie’s Consequence,” album producer Nate Cook takes the mic to announce, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the hottest, loudest band in rock and roll, The Beeves!” before their guitar player Ian Ehrhart rips through a solo.
Both announcements from both bands were a little high-minded, but whereas KISS has admitted they did that purely to deceive, the Beeves’ version doesn’t sound like a lie. As they sell out theaters in Colorado and play certifiable barnburners, they’re earning the title.
The opening of the record brings some serious riffs in “525” before slowing it down with “Softest Velvet,” reminiscent of some of Jack White’s more mellow tracks. It’s an interesting choice to bring out such an introspective tune so early in the set, but it doesn’t kill their energy. The next four tracks are a seriously strong core of the album with hummable “The More You Know” and the anthemic pair of songs “Jamie’s Revenge” and “Jamie’s Consequence.”
Some of the credit for how good this debut is probably goes to aforementioned producer Nate Cook, who is a perfect fit for the Beeves. Sonically, it sounds similar to Cook’s new Yawpers record, Human Question, and his experienced hand probably helps the Beeves balance their bangers with their acoustic tracks without even a hint of insincerity. They seem to really know what works together, and the Beeves have wisdom and choruses beyond their years.
With 10 solid tracks, you would be remiss not to take this opportunity to be introduced to the hottest, loudest new band in rock and roll.
Get It
- Official website (LP, CD)
Tagged: the beeves
