Me Like Bees “Disco Two Step” 2022 (self-released). We got to see one of our favorite indie rock bands this past weekend up in Appleton at Mile of Music. Me Like Bees (from Joplin, Missouri) was a last-minute festival addition, jumping in for another Mile fave (Wild Adriatic – we missed seeing them!) and, as always, they put on a hell of a performance to about 2,000 of their “closest friends” (their words, and it’s true. Appleton LOVES Me Like Bees). We first saw them at what I think was their first Mile performance 8 or so years ago (at Emmett’s outdoor stage on a perfect August late afternoon) with their original lineup, including singer/guitarist Luke Sheafer and guitarist Pete Burton, and I completely fell in love with them. We’ve caught them several times since, at Mile as well as at shows in the Milwaukee area. Like many bands, they’ve gone through a few drummers over the years (currently Ben Davis is in that role) but the “new” bassist, Jake Bennet, stuck when he joined in 2017 after serving as their merch guy.  They still have it: shimmering, stomping, energetic and ass-shaking indie pop, MLB are just so fun and great guys.

MLB played several of my top picks from Disco Two Step, the band’s 2nd full-length album, including “Animal,” the anthemic “Radio” and the strummy “The Man,” I’m not sure if they played “Square Jaw Pt. 1 & II” but it’s a really great track, a bit epic with lots of rhythm and melodic changes and while I’m not really a fan of the  “stomp and holler” genre, the track “Disco is Dead” is pretty great.

I have no proof but I’m guessing MLB plays their best shows in the Fox Valley – I truly hope they continue to show up at Mile and I know as long as they stick together that they will continue to perform in Wisconsin, particularly in the Appleton area. Their fans are wildly loyal and will show up for the Bees.