RIYL: Spoon, The Cardigans, The B-52’s, Pizzicato 5, The Bird and the Bee

From the opening track, California’s own Persephone’s Bees makes it perfectly clear this is no ordinary album. Notes from the Underworld starts on a particularly high note and refuses to come down several tracks later. Each track features smooth lyrics and catchy riffs blending into a sound that can only be described as “Gypsy Pop.” Lead vocalist Angelina Moysov is more than charming with an unmistakable Russian accent and a pleasantly melodic voice, giving an otherwise definitively rock album a softer feel.

It is impossible to classify this band. The entire album is a blend of gypsy, folk, pop, ‘70s funk, and classic rock influences. Tracks vary from the ultra-catchy “Nice Day,” to the somewhat silly, B-52’s-esque “City of Love,” to the solid but subtle “Walk to the Moon.” Each song can stand alone, and while the album may not transition from one track to another well, the overall feel of Notes from the Underworld is one of musical competency and incredible allure.

Listen, and listen with care. It may take a while to appreciate the less pop-driven, deeper cuts, but a second or third screening will not disappoint. As their first major release, there is something clearly fresh about this band and how it walks the line between genres and audiences. Sometimes funky and flirtatious, occasionally sombre and assured, listeners will be hard-pressed to find a sound as unique or as varied as that of Persephone’s Bees. Don’t be discouraged by the album’s release date. Notes from the Underworld is practically a dinosaur created way back in August 2006, all the more reason to support the band into releasing some new material.

Recommended Tracks:

“City of Love,” “Nice Day,” and “Queen’s Night Out”