Here
New Garden, 2023
8/10
The resurrected orchestral project spearheaded by David Hawkins, Be return with their 3rd album, where some heavy hitters are in attendance for these detailed and very diverse 15 pieces.
The dreamy and richly layered “I Need You Like The Sun” begins the listen with some Beatles like nostalgia that’s got plenty of grooves, and “Don’t Cry” follows with a crisp and warm delivery of upbeat pop that uses fluid drumming and well timed winds.
Elsewhere, “Shine Your Love Light” welcomes Zach Warner’s cello and Gary Louris on vocals for the gliding harmonies, while “All Alone With You” is a more intimate moment that recruits focused horns and flute amid soft singing that presents a unique version of romantic folk-rock.
Making our way towards the end, the thumping drums of “Superterranean Homesick Blues” benefits from many vocalists alongside textured brass, winds, drums, and especially Morgan Fisher’s piano and bass harmonica, and “Waiting Reprise” exits with Eastern ideas populating the haze thanks to Randy Morris’s masterful hand drum and tabla.
An effort that doesn’t hide its influence from The Beach Boys’ classic Pet Sounds, there’s plenty of psychedelia and proto-punk to be explored, too, as Hawkins unfolds one surprise after another.
Travels well with: Gary Louris- Jump For Joy; The Jayhawks- XOXO