77:78 at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, REVIEW: '˜luscious harmonies and summery, psychedelic '60s pop'

It can be rather deflating when one of your favourite bands appears to be no more, and that was the case when The Bees disappeared off the scene after four fantastic albums.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Nov 2018, 11:08 BST
Updated 19th Nov 2018, 12:11 BST
77:78 at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea on November 17, 2018. Picture: Paul Windsor77:78 at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea on November 17, 2018. Picture: Paul Windsor
77:78 at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea on November 17, 2018. Picture: Paul Windsor

It was therefore a delight when I heard that Aaron Fletcher and Tim Parkin were back with a new band, 77:78. And even better they have a wonderful new album, Jellies, released on Heavenly Recordings.

Whilst it is early days for the band there is a healthy crowd in tonight, including a sizeable contingent from their native Isle of Wight who have made the trip over the water.

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Thankfully, despite trying, the boys haven't strayed too far from their old band's formula of summery, psychedelic '60s pop. There is even the famous instrument swapping with Aaron and Tim swapping duties on keyboards and vocals. Aaron is also equally at home on bass and guitar, and he does like a good shake of the old maracas.

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The set is pretty much the debut album, highlights of which were luscious harmonies of Love Said (Let's Go) and Compass Pass, plus a smattering of Bees classics like their cover of Os Mutantes' A Minha Menina, with its funky South American groove.

I strongly urge you to seek out the album, I can assure you it will never leave your turntable.

Related topics:SouthseaBees