The Bird and the Bee :: "Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future"

The Bird and the Bee’s newest record, Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future is a very ambitious attempt by Inara George and her partner in crime, Greg Kurstin. Kurstin also helped produce and arrange (along with Mark Ronson) Lily Allen’s debut, Alright, Still and that influence comes through greatly in the Bird and the Bee’s second attempt, more so than their first.

In their self-titled debut, the music of the Bird and the Bee had a more enchanting feel. The duo’s influences include jazz and 60’s Brazilian pop; not to mention George’s bloodline (daughter of Little Feat frontman, Lowell George), but they also incorporate electronic beats and hand claps. The vibe that this debut album accomplished was that of one that could put the listener into a trance.

In Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future, there seems to be a stark difference in the vibe and tone the album sets. Kurstin incorporates more of Lily Allen’s Alright, Still’s big and dancey beats, seen the most in “Love Letter To Japan”, George’s love song to Japan, “You’re a Cad” and “Ray Gun.” Though this album is a lot bigger and dancier than their debut, there are some songs that are still true to the roots of this duo with songs such as “Baby,” a sweet song about childhood love and “Witch”, a song that takes you back to the days of static-y old music videos of the 60’s.

Some gems are “Diamond Dave”, and “Polite Dance Song” (preferably the remix if it is available to you) which are both exactly what you think they would be about. Overall, the album is quite different from their debut but still has many similarities as well; I still have yet to get a grasp on it. The album is undoubtedly very good but is somewhat of a stretch from their first album, so it all depends on your feelings on changing sounds.

Check out some of their music here.

Also, check out “Love Letter To Japan” the first single off Ray Guns.

Buy this album at our record store

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