The Hive Dwellers

Indie rock ringleader Calvin Johnson (K Records, Beat Happening, Halo Benders, Dub Narcotic Sound System) goes back to basics with the stripped-down sounds of the Hive Dwellers. The band, whose name suggests a cooperative philosophy, formed in Olympia, Washington, with Johnson playing acoustic guitar and melodica in addition to laying down his distinctive baritone. The Hive Dwellers made their recorded debut in 2009 with a cover of Superchunk's "My Noise." Over the next two years they offered the Get In EP and Lynch the Swan 7", featuring raw, rhythmic guitar and hollow, stomping drums against Johnson's observational lyrics. Hewn from the Wilderness, the Hive Dwellers' full-length debut, arrived in June 2012. ~ Chrysta Cherrie