Smash Hits
Slapping Cat, 2025
9/10
The acid blues rockers Bees Deluxe return with 13 more unclassifiable and innovative tracks where plenty of guests are on hand.
“Somebody Loan Me A Dime” opens with a calm mood of jazz and blues ideas, as Conrad Warre’s gritty yet inviting voice takes help from Paul Giovine’s strategic drumming, and “When Is Yesterday” follows with Adam Sandowski’s playful bass helping cultivate melody amid the grooves.
In the middle, “Blues For The Decline Of Western Civilization” is an example of timeless and meticulous blues that makes an impression without any vocals, while “How To Play 96 Tears” benefits much from Carol Band’s lively keys guiding the dynamic interaction.
Landing near the end, “Crank Part 2” recruits some funk flavor and frisky synth that will get your body moving, and “Gee Whiz” exits with an intimate mood that tugs on the heartstrings.
Self-described as a meshing of Zappa, Steely Dan, Pat Metheny and Stevie Ray Vaughan, these memorable songs are both live and studio recorded, and showcase the Boston outfit’s superb version of modern blues.
Travels well with: Bees Deluxe- Hallucinate; Kelly’s Lot- The Blues Remind Me