Interesting Bees fact: in the USA, The Bees are known as A Band Of Bees. I reckon they should claim their rightful name back from the American Imperialists who stole it. On the basis of new album 'Octopus,' they more than deserve it. After some questionable festival performances last year (the memories of which were obliterated after a deranged late night show at Bestival) they return to claim the crown of Britain's favourite gonzo popsters. They career through an opening containing the dense country fried riffs of 'Who Cares What The Question Is?' to the sprightly 'Love In The Harbour,' before journeying via the dubby 'Left Foot Stepdown' and 'Got To Let Go' wig-out to the achingly beautiful Motown groove of 'Listening Man.' That the rest of the album consistently maintains this excellence will have you thanking the Isle Of Wight for more than just your first kiss whilst on a school trip. Between The Bees and Jackson Analogue, this south coast outpost clearly has something musical in the air.

Words: Karl O'Keeffe