Hallucinate
Slapping Cat, 2023
8/10
The Boston British/American blues rockers Bees Deluxe bring us a very collaborative effort of hard rockin’ tunes, where topics like aliens, gasoline, french bread and many other subjects allow the 9 members to display their respective talents.
The smooth and rich “Sharkskin Suit” gets the record off to a stylish start, where Paul Giovine’s warm drums complement rich guitar playing by Jared Egan, and “When Is Yesterday” follows with the bright keyboards and soulful singing finding a very groove friendly place to reside.
Further along, the rumbling piano of “How To Play 96 Tears” makes for an agile solo track, while “Nitro” is a bit more rugged via Poogie Bell’s lively drumming and Conrad Warre’s glowing trumpet amid the ‘80s influences.
Residing close to the end, “Gary Burton’s ex-Guitar Player Stole My Highschool Girlfriend And Now I Can’t Stop Dreaming About Her” is populated by dreamy and meticulous guitar playing, and “What’s Wrong With Me” exits with a thumping and gritty energy that’s rhythmic and sonically exciting.
A listen where each song carries its own identity, the occasionally, sometimes improvised and acutely melodic textures make Hallucinate a rather charming listen.
Travels well with: Jangling Sparrows- Telecoaster; Delta Wires- If Somebody Told Me