Persephone’s Bees

Persephone’s Bees

Notes from the Underworld (Sony/Columbia; August
2006)

The single from this San Francisco
band’s debut reminds you instantly of one of those early ’60’s pop
and funk tunes, like something you might hear during one of those
montages in the Ocean’s 11 films. This is mainly brought
out by the hurried and syncopated drum and guitar parts
intertwining with each other to create catchy and head-nodding
grooves. The singer, Angelina Moysov, tends to dip into a soft and
relaxed feel of singing almost a la Nico at times—especially during
the verses—though she picks up her energy for the chorus, as she
should. For those not looking for just another pop record, you will
be pleased with this CD as it also has a tinge of more progressive
elements to keep things interesting after the first few listens. So
go start your year with some up beat, positive songs, okay?