Album Review: Drawn From Bees - The May King And His Paper Crown

The May King And His Paper Crown is a beautifully structured narrative of an album. It is a dark departure from Drawn From Bees' earlier, brighter works, but there is something captivating about this spooky love story.

The first track, Eliza, opens with a loud, gritty roots riff; the strident chords and determined vocals are something of a shock — it's not what one expects from the usually melodic Brisbane band. As the track progresses, however, the heavy rhythm section begins to complement its melodic verses. Both singles from this album are exemplary in their own right, as well as fitting perfectly within the album's narrative. The slow, mournful harmonies and steady, staccato beat of the album's second single, Whistling Bone, demonstrate the best of Drawn From Bees: their infinitely careful, precise arrangements. The gorgeous guitar lines through this song are simple, yet compliment the delicate, then urgent, vocals. Loungeroom Poltergeist is a clear highlight track. Falling in the middle of the album, the track is haunting and tense, with drawn-out harmonies and exquisite, delicate guitar lines. Again, the best elements of this track are also Drawn From Bees hallmarks: the meticulous attention to the way each instrument compliments the other, combined with haunting, tragically poetic lyricism. The album closes with the melodic-guitar-driven, elegant track, Losing Sleep. It's a poignant, steady, melodic end to a beautiful album.

The May King And His Paper Crown is a gorgeous, melodic album with an elegantly crafted narrative to it. In classic Drawn From Bees style, this album is a collection of tracks with attention to the smallest detail, with rhythms, harmony and melody complimenting each other perfectly.