BMX Bandits: Bee Stings

Twenty one years on, the BMX Bandits is still an enigma in the world of indie pop.

Not muscular enough to qualify for power pop, too fragile for indie pop, but nowhere near precious enough for twee pop, they are just lovely in their own magical way. Bee Stings, their 15th album is quite simply one of their loveliest in a long time, maybe their loveliest, period! The addition of David Scott (from the Pearlfishers) and Rachel Mackenzie into their ranks are now blending perfectly with the innocent, romantic musings of longtime Bandit, Duglas T Stewart, setting the stage for one of the year’s most romantic albums. Witness the wonderful Sing The Things. Or Rachel’s beautiful take on Will Oldham’s “After I Made Love To You”. If people would just let Brian Wilson be, and make the kind of albums he made in the 70’s, he’d probably make one like this now.

Words Aidil

4 stars

If you like this, also check out The Pealrfishers, Daniel Johnston, The Beach Boys (in the 70’s)

www.myspace.com/bmxbanditsgroup