SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE in the Beehive State

I spent the first night of October at Soundwell to see the four-act lineup that consisted of Foxes in Fiction, Fog Lake, Winter, and SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE. 

First Things First, Foxes in Fiction

    Upon arriving, the venue was already under the spell of Foxes in Fiction, the project of New York City-based Warren Hildebrand. The stage was backdropped by projections of footage of chain-link fences and fast-moving cars contrasted by images of outdoor scenes. The combination of ambient sounds and personal lyricism perfectly matched the Soundwell stage. The intimate environment continues to make the venue one of my favorites in the city. 

The Fantastic Mr. Fog (Lake)

Fog Lake was next to take the stage. Based in Canada, the band is fronted by Aaron Powell. They breezed through the set and the between-song banter was a highlight of the night. Powell shared anecdotes from life on the road including popped tires, impromptu Target trips and American bar encounters. 

The band’s laid-back presence offered even more of an invitation to listen to their songs with extra attention to detail. Introducing the song “Novocaine” Powell slyly stated, “This one is about going to the dental,” but any ear tuned to the lyrical depth could tell it was about something more. The lyrics were stretched over streaming melodies that lulled the room into a trance. There wasn’t a single song that fell short of that standard. 

Winter Brings the Heat

The next band on the bill was Winter. The band’s frontwoman Samara Winter sported a 90s shawl and a haircut resembling Delores O’Riordan of the Cranberries, and the 90s influence didn’t stop there. The band tore through a set of distorted and steadily melodic songs that could be compared to My Bloody Valentine or Sonic Youth. The sounds offered an eerie and atmospheric feel, and the stage stood as a world of Winter’s own. Each song was performed with a grace and vulnerability that was breathtaking to watch. 

Winter rocked back and forth rhythmically while strumming her sparkling,  sticker-adorned Stratocaster. The band’s recently released EP, “…and she’s still listening” is a collection of my favorite Winter songs. Experiencing them live breathed new meaning into them. 

FEEL THE SPIRIT

The night’s headliner set up the stage with multiple soundboards, guitars, and synths. The band’s sound is a collage of strange samples, tight harmonies and severe lyrics arriving from all angles. Each member contributes their voice as a writer and performer to give their songs a kaleidoscopic sound. This patchwork approach to their songwriting process results in a sometimes uneasy listening experience, but it never feels unearned or out of place. 

Whatever member of the five-piece band I was looking at, I was amazed at the multi-tasking and expert collaboration the band has obviously mastered. Throughout the set, I could point to an example of every extreme. Some moments were harsh some were hushed, and just when I thought I could draw comparisons to classics, I was hit with sounds that were obtuse and original. Every song was seamless and surprising. 

The setlist integrated new and old songs. The band’s most recent release YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING is another testament to the band’s ability to keep listeners on their toes, but pulls back on some of their abrasive tendencies. It was exciting to hear the different facets of the band from song to song.

After their stop in SLC, the trailer for SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE’s tour was stolen and many pieces of equipment were lost when the trailer was recovered. Due to this, the rest of their tour with Winter as support was canceled. They have since made a GoFundMe to help make up for what was stolen. 

Stay updated with the band here.