Review Summary: Their strongest stoner-jazz showing so far
As with their previous albums, the Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s seventh outing is a unique exercise of psychedelic jazz-fusion. It feels comparable to Jeff Beck circa Blow By Blow and Wired with shades of Red-era King Crimson and Jimi Hendrix. The band’s locked-in playing can be just as focused on catchy grooves as acrobatic interplay with the guitars leading the charge, the bass not afraid to go its own way, and the drums loose enough to keep it all together.
However, Bees In The Bonnet sets itself apart from its predecessor by bringing the Trio’s stoner heaviness to the forefront. The chunky yet intricate timed riffs on the opening “See See Bop” and “Itta” are especially indicative while “Bob’s Your Giddy Aunt” puts in an off-kilter mood with disorienting guitar soundscapes, a busy drum build, and creeping bass. Fortunately those jazz elements are still a top priority with the clean guitar and upright bass on “Lamament” putting in some welcome contrast.
For how consistent the Hedvig Mollestad Trio has been since their 2009 formation, Bees In The Bonnet may be their strongest showing so far. The heavier playing gives their already distinct stoner-jazz even more flavor, exerting an array of beefy riffs between the instrumental showcases that make the already compact presentation even easier to get a feel for. I’m a little surprised that the Trio hasn’t shown up on my radar before but one can imagine them being a fun group to follow going forward.
