Neil Halstead follows up Oh! Mighty Engine with a rare single outing lifted from the acclaimed album.
Newly resident on Jack Johnson's Brushfire label, Halstead has chosen to release one of the most upbeat tracks from the album. For upbeat, read a delicate slice of folk pop that chugs along in an inoffensive manner with the drums barely getting above a whisper.
The intricate acoustic guitar on Queen Bee will delight long-term Halstead fans. His finger picking drives the song forward without ever sounding showy or excessive.
Comparisons with Jack Johnson are relevant, as this is the sort of fare with which the American has conquered charts worldwide. Halstead doesn't have Johnson's innate charm, and his lyrics are as ever oblique to the point of meaninglessness, but Queen Bee is endearing enough to warrant repeat plays on a bright, sunny afternoon.
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