For two decades Collections of Colonies of Bees have existed in various forms and incarnations with an ever evolving line-up having once featured the likes of Sylvan Esso's Nick Sanborn. At one point the Bees joined forces with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon to release two albums under the moniker Volcano Choir. In fact, it was Vernon who proclaimed of his collaborators: “If the world was perfect, they would be as big as U2.”

Never content to paint the soundscape twice, the previously instrumental Bees now come outfitted with vocalist Marielle Allschwang and an upcoming full-length, HAWAII, due July 13th. Today Stereogum premieres first single "Ruins," calling it "a winding six-minute serenade". Listen below and catch the Wisconsin-based ensemble on tour this summer with Sylvan Esso.
  • 05/18 - Milwaukee, WI @ Company Brewing
  • 07/20 - Minneapolis, MN @ Surly Brewing Festival Field #
  • 07/21 - Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre # [SOLD OUT]
  • 07/22 - Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre # [SOLD OUT]
  • 07/23 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre # [SOLD OUT]
  • 07/24 - Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre #
  • 08/08 - Milwaukee, WI @ Washington Park Summer Concert Series
# w/ Sylvan Esso

Pre-order HAWAII now from our E-Store.