Saying this, YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING is by far the band’s most straightforward record. This isn’t to say however they have lost what makes them one of the most progressive bands around; sonic textures still overlay collages of obscure samples, whilst the method of individual members writing separate streams of consciousness verses before coming together to record still creates enviable levels of lyrical surrealism. Fear not, SPIRIT fans; songs still play like a bonkers roller coaster ride, with more twists and turns in sound than most bands will explore over their entire careers.
2023 saw the release of the band’s second EP; i’m so lucky explored the breakup of SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE’s longest-standing members, Rivka Ravede and Zack Schwartz. YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING carries similar themes, dealing with the aftermath of years-long relationships and the subsequent unease of landing back in your life. "THE CUT DEPICTS THE CUT" feels like the most evocative of these feelings, with frantic percussion and monotone vocals courtesy of Ravede, glued together with ambient synths, producing an instance that heralds back to the noise rock of early material by LA band, HEALTH. "LET THE VIRGIN DRIVE", arguably the “pop-song” of the album, is relatively lighthearted; however, even when SPIRIT take a break from trying to scare the listener silly, there is still an overarching feeling of menace that takes hold. This isn’t a record to chill out with, but to get lost in its frighteningly immersive worlds.
Elsewhere on YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING come darkly thrilling moments. Highlight, "FOUND A BODY" is a ghostly, slow-tempo affair, with booming drums and fluttering synths; "SUN SWEPT THE EVENING RED" is perhaps the first instance of strings on a SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE song, however, it’s not long before swampy guitars take over. ‘SOMETHING’S ENDING’ plays like a lost Aphex Twin interlude as sinister vocals whisper, “they pulled another one out of the river” over a slight tumbling of drums. "I’VE BEEN EVIL", is one of the more straightforward moments on the record, a confidently blasé moment. This confidence is perhaps what makes, SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE such an alluring band. There really is no other outfit in contemporary music who do what the Philadelphia trio execute, and execute it so strongly. They are a guitar band who are genuinely exciting – you never know what the next project will sound like.
On closer, "EARTH KIT", strings are the main instruments, with Schwartz crooning over their gorgeous jumble. Of course, it couldn’t end so simply: the track heads towards its climax amidst a sea of smattered drums and waves of distortion; displaying their ferocious sense of play that really is the thing that keeps listeners coming back. Everything goes in the world of SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE, and everything is thrown in; tossed around; distorted; squeezed; held; emerging as the product of the singular vision of a truly innovative band.
