Holy Hive is the brainchild of drummer Homer Steinweiss, who’s previously played for big name artists like Lady Gaga, Adele and Bruno Mars. When he wasn’t backing up these superstars, he was producing solo albums for folk singer Paul Spring alongside bassist Joe Harrison. This pairing set the foundation for Holy Hive, whose first release as a band came out in 2019. Since then they’ve recorded a string of excellent releases, most notably their debut album, Float Back to You.
The Holy Hive signature style has been dubbed “folk soul” but it’s also dripping in elements of psychedelia and pop, making for an intriguing sound unbound by convention. Steinweiss and Harrison add a tight, classic soul groove while Spring’s lilting falsetto adds a beautifully ethereal quality to the mix. Think Simon and Garfunkel meets Tame Impala.
Recorded during the pandemic, the Brooklyn band’s second, self-titled album is more personal and reflective than their previous work. It’s also an exceedingly fun and catchy amalgamation of new genre influences. Take, for example, their brooding cover of Charlotte Gainsbourg’s 2017 hit “Deadly Valentine,” which perfectly encapsulates modern day angst. When combined with breezier blue-eyed soul numbers such as “I Don’t Envy Yesterdays,” Holy Hive really is an album and band perfectly suited for our current times.
