Hedvig Mollestad Trio – Bees In The Bonnet

It’s no surprise I have a bee in my bonnet about the latest Hedvig Mollestad Trio record.

Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen, Ellen Brekken and Ivar Loe Bjørnstad have crossed their self made bridge between hard rock’s visceral energy and jazz’s harmonic sophistication again and again. Today it’s safe to say that the trio’s music is an ideal gateway for headbangers who want to dip their toes into the world of jazz. On Bees in the Bonnet the Hedvig Mollestad Trio once more show off their vision on progressive jazz-rock. Or must we say, rock-jazz?

Of course much of the trio’s endeavours revolve around Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen who is able to blend improvisational jazz lines and muscular riffing into something unique. On Bees in the Bonnet, this approach is taken to new heights. The album is packed with some of Mollestad’s most memorable riffs yet, making it a must-listen for fans like me or anyone who likes instrumental guitar music to come with punch. On their 8th full record the focus shifts back to instrumental rock off their debut Shoot! in 2011.

Opener, See See Bop, bursts out with a huge riff, pounding drums, and a gritty, distorted bass. Mollestad’s guitar sound is thick and expressive, her solos lingering and occasionally drifting into feedback. Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath are never far away. She also demonstrates impressive finesse, especially on Golden Griffin, which combines some great jazzy twists and upbeat melodies without giving in on the rawness that belongs to hard rock. Here the interplay between the trio shines as Brekken, who co-wrote several tracks, delivers a deep, growling bass that meshes perfectly with Bjørnstad’s energetic drumming.

Further on, Bob’s Your Giddy Aunt, stands out for its atmospheric, experimental feel, blending Bjørnstad’s jazz-inspired drumming with some ambient long views. As the track progresses under the tones of Brekken’s bass, Mollestad’s guitar grows darker and heavier and eventually morphs into intense power riffs. Lamament, a gentle, reflective work couldn’t have come at a better time. Still, the trio is at its best when they are rock-jazzing their socks off and that is exactly what happens on the lengthy closer Apocalypse Slow. The piece builds into an intense, overdriven psych-stoner classic with Bjørnstad raising tension, Brekken ‘s pulsing bass below Mollestad’s wild and roaring solos.

On this latest record the trio has perfected the marriage of disciplined riffcraft and improvisation which is not only adventurous but also very accessible for newcomers. Bees in the Bonnet serves as another victory lap in the career of the Hedvig Mollestad Trio who remain irresistible, infectious and brimming with creativity.