Bee Hives

While "Hives" isn't as easy to digest as previous Broken Social Scene outings, it still deserves many a spin.

Those looking for the instant gratification of the first side of YFIIP--the “Almost Crimes”s, the “KC Accidental”s, the “Anthem”s--will be grossly disappointed. This is a collection for those of us who dug the album’s second side--meandering, experimental, but ultimately just as urgent and just as rewarding.

Generally, the tracks here are pleasant and well-produced, but are rarely engaging enough to justify their runtimes.

An intriguing and mesmerizing compilation of songs that underscores any love you already had for Broken Social Scene.

Proves that [You Forgot It In People] wasn’t a fluke.

While not up to par with either of their previous albums, Bee Hives is certainly a pretty, if uneven, addition for fans. [Jul/Aug 2004, p.124]

All texture and no text. [May 2004, p.108]

It has enough winners to make it something to hunt down if you like the group.

If you've ever seen Broken Social Scene live, you'll know that nearly all the members spend an inordinate amount of time onstage crouched over their effects pedals, creating waves of guitar drones and feedback, and this album sounds like an extension of that style. Yeah, it can get tiresome, but more often than not, it's actually quite beautiful.

Bee Hives is a mostly instrumental album that heavily favors the fuzzy keyboard tones and heavy reverb of the band’s early work.

Works better as an adjunct for those already predisposed.

Moments of the overfed ambience familiar to the band's debut, Feel Good Lost, poke through as the album drags on.