Released: 08/08

I prefer bumblebees to wasps – mainly because after a bumblebee has stung someone it dies and doesn’t go on to become a repeat offender unlike its evil striped cousin – and thus from the get-go, I had already warmed to Bristol 3-piece The Bumblebees.

Formed since November 2007, this self titled EP is The Bumblebees’ debut and it provides a refreshing 15 minutes of upbeat indie-pop to warm your cockles. If you like synthy keyboard melodies and indie guitars riffs, The Bumblebees are right up your alley. A ‘music-biz’ description of their sound would be along the lines of; “The Coral having an arm wrestle with Hellogoodbye, while The Libertines teach the rules of poker to Alphabeat in the back.” Buzzing…

The first and best song on their EP is My Kaleidoscope, a chirpy, pacey song positively bursting with happy vibes. The other three tracks are a bit loose but any could easily be on many an indie-cindy’s playlist!

Unfortunately, after listening to the EP numerous times on repeat, I couldn’t tell you what any of the songs were about because the vocals are all over the shop! The EP would benefit from either clearer vocals or greater lyrical focus. All four songs too sound quite similar but that’s pretty much what you would expect to hear from a band in their fledgling days and still honing their style.

Best of all, I’ve not heard many local Bristol bands that sound similar to The Bumblebees, which is a refreshing change! As a first EP, good effort.

www.myspace.com/thebumblebeesinfestya

Fay Harley