Wasn’t it just a few months ago (July to be precise) that Drew Beskin released Problematic for the People, his third solo album in almost as many years? And yet here he is sharing news not only of a new run of music but also a fresh-faced project. Drew Beskin & the Sunshine he’s calling it. And the lineup, as they say, is loaded: There’s Beskin, of course, backed by fellow Athens luminaries Tommy Trautwein (Well Kept, Wanderwild), Gideon Johnston (Hotel Fiction), and Elijah Johnston (Well Kept). Some people bring their talent to the table. Others attract it. Beskin, it can safely be said, does both.
Although the group spent last November writing and recording their debut LP (11 songs in 11 days if you must know), we’re only allowed a small taste for now. Two cuts to be exact. They’re called “Lisa Simpson Fangs” and “Horror Movie Plot,” which feel appropriate for this time of year. Yet, despite their titles, there’s nothing dark, violent, or spooky about these tracks. Instead, we get a pair of singles that highlight Beskin and company’s diverse range of rock and pop stylings.
If there is a banger to be had here, it’s definitely “Lisa Simpson Fangs.” Punctuated by chiming guitars and exuberant melodies, the song is emblematic of the members’ mutual love for propulsive indie-rock songwriting. It’s not exactly sunny—there’s an undercurrent of doubt and emotional turmoil coursing through the lyrics—but the song thrusts forward with almost gleeful intensity. In contrast, “Horror Movie Plot” is more measured and dreamy, gliding slowly with moody deliberation. Abandoning the rhythmic thrust of the opening track for a gauzy patchwork of textures and tones, the Sunshine show there is more in their arsenal than catchy hooks and power pop flair. Not bad for a project that almost never got off the ground.
“Once I finished Problematic for the People I figured I would be done recording my own music for a while,” Beskin admits over email. “But once I got in a room with Tommy, Elijah, and Gideon there was this new inspiration and songs started to magically appear. Lasting friendships were cemented and what came from these sessions are some of the best tunes I’ve been able to record as an artist. We are excited to share these tunes and look forward to 2022 when we release this new album. I am such a fan of everything Tommy, Elijah, and Gideon work on and to have them join me for this project is such an honor.”
Listen below.
Drew Beskin will perform a solo set tonight, Oct. 21, at Aisle 5 alongside Middle Kids and Ginger Root. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $20.50. All ages.
More Info
Web: drewbeskin.com
Bandcamp: drewbeskin.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @DrewBeskin
Instagram: @DrewBeskin
SoundCloud: @drewbeskin
Twitter: @DrewBeskin