Lee And Willbee Are Not From North Carolina

Lee and Willbee began as a collaboration between Lee Chameleon and Markus Willbee and rather than just be friends, the first thing they did upon meeting was make music. From there they formed a strong bond as the rhythm section for La Makita Soma but as fate would have it LMS didn't last. What did last was the bond between the two musicians and that bond was stronger than ever and that's what lead them to form Lee and Willbee. With a sense of freedom and the ability to explore ideas outside of their old band, they attacked their new found liberation with a sense of vigor and enthusiasm despite being separated by geography. Now, after a while of being secluded and using technology to hold the fabric of the band together, they've released their debut album, North Carolina.

Dreamy, textural and sounding like the best hangover ever, North Carolinais pop music on lithium. With hints of Dandy Warhols, Mojave 3, and maybe even the Catherine Wheel, Lee and Willbee are a nebulous proposition that almost seems like an illegal high. North Carolina is truly beautiful stuff that lazily floats across the duration of it's eight songs without a hurry or care in the world and after listening to these guys, you might just find yourself wanting to take a nap. North Carolinais gauzy indie rock that may be lethargic and sleepy, but it's still very catchy and very, very good.

For a band separated by distance it's three members (Patrick Roche being the third) sound like they've played together everyday for the last ten years. This is a band and an album that is tight, professional, and so well produced it's hard to believe that it was put together over the net. North Carolinais a seductive record that's bonded together by a strong feelings and trust that only a group of friends who love making to music together could share. From the vaporous opening notes of the title track to the possible explanation for why the band is so mellow on, "Typhoid Mary," Lee and Willbee are a fantastic band that make textural music sound so easy. North Carolina is highly recommended stuff, especially if you have your head in the clouds