THE HIVE DWELLERS – “Get In” EP

This has been one of those EPs that I’ve been playing for a while but I hadn’t been able to get to this until now.  The latest project from Calvin Johnson and friends is a handful of songs with a minimalist feel that filters in indie rock, R&B, and even some elements of dance music within its grasp.  From the title track’s simple stripped down organic R&B feel to the synthesizer based hooks that occurred in the remixes and elsewhere, there’s a feel and attitude that stays casual throughout the process, whether through a 60s style garage rock organ lick or in a synched up dance beat.  The ability to channel vintage rock and soul attitude as easily as subvert dance music to their own purposes makes this 12” one of those records that should get people dancing, even those who wouldn’t be into what dance music is these days.  This EP is proof that sometimes the attitude of punk can transform sounds and atmospheres that many in the scene might not otherwise be into and make something pretty damn cool in the process. (BOONE)