Track listing: Compatibility, Skilled Sheep Farmer

Today I learned that when you release two singles simultaneously, it's called a "double single." Who knew? The Beavoys did, that's who. Al James' project dropped their "Compatibility" / "Skilled Sheep Farmer" double single to feature alternate versions of the two tracks of their most recent EP, Life Beyond the Fence.

"Compatibility" channels a strong Beatles-meets-Stones vibe, featuring the Manzarek-esque keys we heard sprinkled throughout Binge Fringe (reviewed February 2025). Vocally, the harmonies come through powerfully and constantly from start to finish--tight and lively. Lyrically, James delves into "the relationship and interdependence between the many poles and pairs of opposites" found in our day-to-day lives. An enjoyable and melodic way to present the inner workings of human interaction.

The flipside of our double-single, "Skilled Sheep Farmer," provides a bit of levity. Sonically it's a bit 'later' sounding, akin to a long lost Bowie deep cut. As the title suggests, the song is absolutely about a sheep farmer and his interesting approach to handling his flock--splitting the sheep into two groups and bestowing upon them particular labels. Not many songs about a shepherd and his sheep, so this could potentially be the best one ever written on the topic.

Beavoys retain their tried-and-true 60s sound for both tracks, giving us something new in a classic musical motif. Take a dive into "Compatibility," "Skilled Sheep Farmer," and the rest of Life Beyond the Fence at sunntones.wordpress.com/category/beavoys.