You say you want a revolution? Settle for an evolution. Once upon a time there was a mighty NYC indie band named Lotion who played what was then referred to in the 1990s as “alternative pop: (a.k.a. music not ruined by major label tampering). Lotion waxed remarkable records (after you read this, go find some!) yet commercial success eluded the lads. Now two members, Rob Youngberg and Tony Zajkowski, have been reborn as Honeycomb. They not only re-ignite the best qualities of Lotion (great songs, stellar vocals, kick-ass musicianship) but they’re also rather artsy audio/visual artists - that is, they play music accompanied by films (recall Andy and the V.U.) With computer samples aplenty to support their patented wall of guitars, Honeycomb wears its rock ‘n’ roll hearts on their collective sleeves. “Chicken & Stars” raises cocaine and alcohol memories of Sunset Strip circa 1986 - save for a few weird horn samples and whistles. “I Wonder” evokes the kind of neo-psychedelia that Oasis can only dream of. Lenny Kravitz eat your heart out on “Come Over,” replete with a Bill Withers motif that we hope the soul legend’s lawyers won’t notice. They’ve even included a bonus disc of a Honeycomb/Beastie Boys mash-up aptly dubbed Honeybeast. Is this the future of rock? It better be!
--Tom Semioli [October 5, 2008]
