She Keeps Bees
Encyclopedia
She Keeps Bees are a blues rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2006. They are Jessica Larrabee on vocals and guitar and Andy LaPlant on drums. They have been compared to Patti Smith
, the White Stripes, The Kills
, PJ Harvey
, and Cat Power
.
's album Black Light
. They have supported The Joy Formidable
, and played at SXSW in 2010. They signed to Domino Publishing in July 2010. Their third album "Dig On", recorded during November 2010 in a log home in the Catskill Mountains
, is released in Spring 2011.
.
said "she has one of the best voices I have ever heard and she has more soul in one finger than most female singers have in our scene." The New York Timess ArtsBeat compared her to PJ Harvey, but added that "Far from Ms. Harvey’s theatrical poise, Ms. Larrabee is loose, vehement and unchoreographed, jittering around the stage." The Quietus said of "Nests" that "The album does its duty, forms a songbook for the pissed off, the heavy-lidded and the sultry." The Observer said it was "sparse, soulful and defiantly retro." Contact Music argued that "In some parts the album isn’t an easy listen but once you’re in to it, it’s very rewarding."
Patti Smith
Patricia Lee "Patti" Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses....
, the White Stripes, The Kills
The Kills
The Kills is a rock band formed by American singer Alison Mosshart and British guitarist Jamie Hince . Their first three albums, Keep On Your Mean Side, No Wow, and Midnight Boom, have garnered much critical praise...
, PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey
Polly Jean Harvey is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, and most recently, the autoharp.Harvey began her career in...
, and Cat Power
Cat Power
Charlyn Marie Marshall , also known as Chan Marshall or by her stage name Cat Power, is an American singer/songwriter and occasional actress and model. Cat Power was originally the name of Marshall's first band, but has come to refer to her musical projects with various backing bands...
.
History
Larrabee was recording an album as a solo artist under the name She Keeps Bees ("bees" coming from her surname) and met LaPlant when she was his bartender. He helped produce her music and began attending her shows, until she suggested he play with her. They formed their band in 2006. They record their music in their home in Brooklyn. Larrabee has also been a guest vocalist on Groove ArmadaGroove Armada
Groove Armada is an English electronic music duo from London, England comprising Andy Cato and Tom Findlay. They are perhaps best known for their singles "I See You Baby" and "Superstylin'"...
's album Black Light
Black Light (album)
-North American track listing:- Singles :- External links :* *...
. They have supported The Joy Formidable
The Joy Formidable
The Joy Formidable are a three-piece band formed in 2007 in North Wales and currently located in London, England. The band consists of Ritzy Bryan , Rhydian Dafydd , and Matt Thomas ....
, and played at SXSW in 2010. They signed to Domino Publishing in July 2010. Their third album "Dig On", recorded during November 2010 in a log home in the Catskill Mountains
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains, an area in New York State northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany, are a mature dissected plateau, an uplifted region that was subsequently eroded into sharp relief. They are an eastward continuation, and the highest representation, of the Allegheny Plateau...
, is released in Spring 2011.
Members
Jessica Larrabee is a singer songwriter and guitarist who has been in other bands. She taught her partner Andy LaPlant to play drums; he is a recording engineer and producer. Larrabee says of their playing that "I sing until my stomach hurts while Andy beats the shit out the drums" and has acknowledged comparisons to Cat PowerCat Power
Charlyn Marie Marshall , also known as Chan Marshall or by her stage name Cat Power, is an American singer/songwriter and occasional actress and model. Cat Power was originally the name of Marshall's first band, but has come to refer to her musical projects with various backing bands...
.
Reception
The Guardian said that "they're like the White Stripes in reverse." Drowned in Sound said of Larrabee that "She has amazing control over her vocals, able to simultaneously be fiery and reserved, seductive and vaguely crude", and fellow Brooklyn musician Sharon Van EttenSharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten is an American singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, New York City.Her songs were described by the music website Pitchfork Media as having "some echoes of folk tradition but generally in a more personal, introspective space." NPR Music asserts: "Her songs are heartfelt without being...
said "she has one of the best voices I have ever heard and she has more soul in one finger than most female singers have in our scene." The New York Timess ArtsBeat compared her to PJ Harvey, but added that "Far from Ms. Harvey’s theatrical poise, Ms. Larrabee is loose, vehement and unchoreographed, jittering around the stage." The Quietus said of "Nests" that "The album does its duty, forms a songbook for the pissed off, the heavy-lidded and the sultry." The Observer said it was "sparse, soulful and defiantly retro." Contact Music argued that "In some parts the album isn’t an easy listen but once you’re in to it, it’s very rewarding."
Discography
- "Minisink Hotel", self-recorded, 2006
- "Shhhh EP", studio-EP, 2007
- "Nests", self-recorded, 2008
- "Revival", UK-EP, 2009
- "Nests", UK-release, 2009
- "SKB-005", 7" record, 2010
- "Dig On", self-recorded, Spring 2011