Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Notes from the Underworld by Persephone's Bees


Notes from the Underworld cover art

Artist: Persephone's Bees
Title: Notes from the Underworld
Catalogue Number: Dizzy Kiss Music
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2007



The Bluesbunny likes to do his bit and review independent music. There is so much good music out there that gets ignored by the "normal" press that we feel it is our civic duty to redress the balance. This release from Persephone's Bees put us in a bit of a quandary. According to Amazon, it was released by a major label but our copy came via CD Baby and featured no corporate logos or markings at all. Stealth marketing, perhaps?

Never mind all that you elitist bunny, I hear you say. What is it like? In a nutshell, it is a collection of commercial but quirky songs. Taking a whole body of influences and mixing them together into a melting pot of damnably hummable tunes, we were quickly entranced and were struck down by an uncontrollable bout of smiling. It is just the kind of music to lift your spirit. Angelina Moyskov's vocals drive the songs along with the bouncy "Nice Day" and the punky "On the Earth" standing out. "Walk to the Moon" has Cyndi Lauper levels of drama. This band sounds big. Then they tear right into Status Quo's "Paper Plane" and turn it into a Blockheads meet heavy metal bloodbath. As almost a counterpoint "City of Love" is a laidback and super cool. Just to add value for money, there are two additional versions of "Nice Day" on this album.

There is nothing wrong with a 3 minute pop song. Persephone's Bees manage to successfully walk the tightrope between commerciality and quirkiness. This keeps things fresh and interesting. The Bluesbunny likes this one.


www.persephonesbees.com
Reviewer:
Review Date: August 24 2007