Spirit of the Beehive has announced their new album, “You’ll Have to Lose Something,” and an accompanying tour. This marks a significant moment for the band, known for their unique and experimental approach to rock music. The trio, consisting of Zack Schwartz, Corey Wichlin, and Rivka Ravede, has been pushing the boundaries of the genre for over a decade, and their latest work promises to be their most refined yet.
The band’s previous albums, including 2018’s “Hypnic Jerks” and 2021’s “ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH,” have established them as pioneers in the realm of noise punk and dream pop. Their innovative use of samples and unconventional song structures has garnered them a dedicated following, including notable fans like Frank Ocean. Their last release, 2023’s “i’m so lucky,” delved into the emotional aftermath of Schwartz and Ravede’s breakup, setting the stage for the themes explored in “You’ll Have to Lose Something.”
The new album is described as a meticulous and emotionally charged collection of songs, reflecting on the end of relationships and the ensuing instability. The band aimed to create a more accessible sound with this record, softening some of the harsher elements of their previous work. Wichlin mentioned that they wanted to make something “intentionally less antagonistic,” resulting in fewer drastic arrangement changes and a more stripped-down approach.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “I’VE BEEN EVIL,” which maintains a consistent tempo and features bleary-eyed guitars and hushed vocals. The song’s simplicity and steady pace make it a poignant and introspective piece. In contrast, “LET THE VIRGIN DRIVE” is a more complex and unsettling track, built around Japanese City pop samples and a disturbing news clip. Schwartz explained that the song deals with themes of unrequited love and the illusions we create in our minds.
The album also includes the Ravede-led track “FOUND A BODY,” a downtempo piece with variegated synths, and “SUN SWEPT THE EVENING RED,” which starts off upbeat before descending into a chaotic mix of sludged-out guitars and auto-tuned vocals. The band’s collaborative writing process, despite being geographically dispersed, has resulted in a cohesive exploration of themes like the brutality of reality and the lies we tell to protect ourselves.
Schwartz mentioned that the band listens to very little outside music while working on their own, creating a unique and self-contained world within their albums. This insular approach has allowed them to craft a sound that is distinctly their own, where chaos is carefully organized and the idea of ever truly relaxing is an illusion.
The announcement of “You’ll Have to Lose Something” has been met with excitement from fans and critics alike. The band’s ability to evolve and refine their sound while maintaining their experimental edge is a testament to their creativity and dedication to their craft. The upcoming tour will give fans the opportunity to experience the new material live, adding another layer to the band’s already dynamic performances.
Spirit of the Beehive’s new album and tour are set to be significant events in the music world, showcasing the band’s continued growth and innovation. As they prepare to hit the road, fans can look forward to a deeper exploration of the themes and sounds that have made the band a standout in the rock genre.
