American abstract artist and Hawk bandleader David Hawkins released the third album from his orchestral art-rock supergroup Be on October 6, 2023, a record called Here, inspired by The Beach Boy’s classic Pet Sounds and dedicated to the great Brian Wilson.
There’s also a companion album, There, featuring Hawkins’ recordings in Morocco with The Master Musicians of Jajouka, the legendary Sufi Trance band known for their collaborations with Brian Jones and The Rolling Stones. There is due out next year.
Besides Hawkins, Here features several rock heavyweights like Morgan Fisher, Brian Wilson’s musical director Paul Von Mertens, legendary drummer Pete Thomas, and guest vocals by Gary Louris of the Jayhawks. Hawkins began recording and writing Here in the frantic early days of the pandemic. He crafted the songs and arrangements for days on end, absorbed in the process. Probably a good way to spend your time while on COVID lockdown.
Along with the Pet Sounds influence, there are plenty of nods to the mystical and psychedelic Beatles records. Here has themes of the triumph of love and hope in the face of our deepest fears, yearning for deep connection with others, and plenty of spiritual themes. The harmonies on the record shimmer among tapestries of timpani, brass, and orchestra, punctuated with electronics, mellotron, and even harp.
Here comprises 15 tracks, many with a sunshine, flower-power, psychedelic rock-pop vibe. “Shine Your Love Light” feels like a long-lost song from the Sixties and the Summer of Love, with vocals resonating with the message of celebrating the light in a lover’s eyes. “Am I Not Dreaming” brings more love vibes over a rolling timpani and horns that sound over yearning vocals.
“Superterranean Homesick Blues” is a track about COVID lockdown isolation with a Beach Boys bounce (and an obvious nod to Dylan). Regan Souders’ bass and the woodwinds and horns build the song to a dynamic climax. “No Way to Say Goodbye” feels like a lost Nick Drake song with its touches of melancholy.
These are just a few of the highlights from Here, which, as we mentioned, is out now. Unlike the dystopian visions of some modern psych-rockers, Here is a ray of light and a pure shot of love – pretty refreshing. The songwriting and arrangements are strong, and The Third Eye recommends listening to this one with headphones on for the full experience.
Check out Be’s new album Here on Bandcamp.
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