Indie pop duo Beach House have cranked out three critically acclaimed albums since they formed in 2004, all have received a moderate amount of commercial success. The duo can add a fourth as their latest release, Bloom, has received positive reviews across the board and peaked at number seven on the Billboard Top 200, their highest charting album in the US. Recorded in the great state of Texas, the album follows the path of its predecessors, being an inspiring record from beginning to end without really missing a beat. While some critics have criticized the lack of “surprises”, some epic vocals and production are featured on a fantastic effort.
The dream pop experience begins with “Myth”, the first taste of the album listeners were given prior to its official release. It’s impressive to know that all instrumentals on the track are played by the same guy, Alex Scally. Throw in the sultry, dream-like vocals of Victoria Legrand and the song takes you to a totally different reality. Relaxing you on the entire journey. The group started with their strongest weapon.
The soothing effect continues on “Wild”, a track that is completely opposite to what the title may suggest. Aided only by the sounds of drums, the track comes off extremely raw and Legrand’s vocals come off vulnerable and soft. Anyone will be able to play the song after a rough day and just drift away, forgetting about everything else, “go on pretending”. That is what makes the group and the song truly memorable.
“Lazuli”, a title that really makes no sense, is a nice inclusion. The song starts off slow and sweet, to the sound of the piano, but then explodes into this “alternate reality-sounding”, five minute track. The background vocals keep the listener’s attention, forcing them into a trance as vocals and instrumentals mix together perfectly to create something that sounds joyful and somber at once. I know it makes no sense, but trust me.
A slight change occurs on “Other People”. While the song still rests on some incredible verses and Legrand’s vocals, an epic moment happens towards the end. In a chorus-like moment, Legrand sings “Other people want to keep in touch, Something happens and it's not enough, Never thought that it would mean so much, Other people want to keep in touch,” in a sorrow-filled performance. One of the brightest parts of the effort.
When “The Hours” comes through the speakers, a sense of alternative/indie rock is evoked. “Don’t leave without me,” the singer begs and with a performance as special as this, I am sure no one would dare to move. The song will get a bit of backlash because after a couple of tracks, the song does not do anything to stand out, instead giving a sound already heard before. However, the song is not bad in any way.
“Troublemaker” excited me as soon as I saw the track list. I was wondering if I would ever get a darker, revenge-esque vibe from the group. I got just what I wanted, but in a Beach House way. The song tells the story of a bad romance, sorry for my Lady Gaga reference. Lyrics of thunder rolling in and crying in your sleep show the disappointing deterioration of a loving relationship.
The intro to “New Year” sounds as it was ripped from flashback sequence in some horror or drama flick. It quickly transforms and picks up once the vocals and lyrics come in. The song is slow throughout, never really picking up a loud, crashing beat along the way. The song is good, nothing needs to be fixed, but I feel if the listener is not already a fan they may quickly change the track.
Critics have been commending “Wishes” left and right. Consequence of Sound even calls the song the group’s anthem, bringing them back to their simple sound. I have to agree. There is not much to the track, the production is scaled back and the focus seems to be on the light instrumentals and haunting, near perfect vocal abilities. The song shows you can do a simple, soft song as long as you do it right.
The slow pace is slowed down even more for “On The Sea.” The track still embodies the sense of tranquility and ease that the preceding eight tracks gave off. The song may not have much lyrical depth, at times there are no words sung at all, but that is overlooked as Legrand sings what is there beautifully and without messing up a single note. The breeze sounds at the end are a nice delicate touch.
The album closes with a seventeen minute, two-part finale. Don’t be frightened by the length, “Irene” and “Wherever You Go” are mashed into one song, with the latter being a hidden surprise. “Irene” is honestly forgetful; I was drifting in and out of it as it played. Thankfully it was not the official closing track. “Wherever You Go” is a bit better of an offering. The track is still slow, too slow to take anything happy away from the album, but there is real meaning behind it. But just when I thought it was going to pick up, it ends without notice. So sad.
Bloom is a fourth straight knockout for the duo. Their previous release, Teen Dream, was on countless lists of top albums of 2010. They may have been wondering how they were going to top themselves, but I think they succeeded. Critics complain because there were no surprises on the effort, but I bet to differ. Legrand’s vocals are still a delightful surprise while the instrumentals provided by Scally are nothing short of amazing. The album takes the listener on a carefree journey where all problems are forgotten, even if some material is darker than most will experience. As a new fan of the group, the album is a great release and receives a 87%.
Tracks to Hear: “Myth”, “Wild”, “Other People” and “Troublemaker”
.jpg)
0 Yorumlar