Waters Scholars / The Wish Cow – BeaVoys (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

As that early-Stones-esque groove kicks “Waters Scholars” off, it is clear that BeaVoys‘ reference points are as much the sound of the past as they are to be found in the modern age. And as this first track of the latest release, a brace of songs, draws additional sonics around it, its blend of power-pop-punch and psych-rock builds a sound that feels like those more adventurous, more upbeat parts of Moody Blues‘ On The Threshold of a Dream, never a bad place to seek inspiration.

It is infectious and groovesome, but, again, like those 60’s progressive music makers, the lyrics are worth pondering, here musing on the life-giving waters that are responsible for every living thing on this planet even being here, and perhaps also allowing life to be possible far beyond this place too.

The second track, “The Wish Cow,” may run on a lilting, folky guitar sound, but overall it has a more reserved pace than its companion. Instead of relying on velocity to make the point, it weaves intricate blends of raw guitar and ornate acoustica, western tones, and eastern textures into perfect symmetry.

And again, lyrically, something interesting and important is going on. This is not just a set of throwaway lyrics added as an afterthought, as so much pop music of today seems to be, but again a nod back to the 60’s, when in certain quarters music and philosophy could co-exist in a three-minute pop song as readily as in a forty-five-minute concept album.

BeaVoy’s music is always deceptively clever; it is accessible, infectious, even, beautifully nostalgic, wonderfully creative, forward-thinking, and still with an ear for the past, yet those surface sonics always seem to ride along the top of hidden depths. And if sonically there are fathomless riches to be found by diving for such sonic pearls, lyrically too, it is those pearls, of wisdom, that keep you coming back for more.

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