Beach House - Teen Dream Reviewed
February 11th 2010 06:32
DREAM DUO: Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand
Beach House are another band that probably not many readers would have heard of. They are a duo from Baltimore, USA, formed in 2004, made up of Victoria Legrand on vocals and keys/organ, and Alex Scally on guitar, bass, keys/organ/piano, and backing vocals. They are described as a "dream pop" sound because of their atmospheric, rhythmic music and vocals, while also having elements of indie rock. Victoria Legrand has collaborated with my favourite band, Grizzly Bear, singing in the chorus of Two Weeks and also their contribution to Twilight: New Moon's impressive soundtrack. Their first two albums, Beach House (2006) and Devotion (2008), were recieved with critical acclaim. They have now released their third album, entitled Teen Dream.
TEEN DREAM: Rating....9/10
Tracklist
1. Zebra
2. Silver Soul
3. Norway
4. Walk In The Park
5. Used To Be
6. Lover of Mine
7. Better Times
8. 10 Mile Stereo
9. Real Love
10. Take Care
1. Zebra
2. Silver Soul
3. Norway
4. Walk In The Park
5. Used To Be
6. Lover of Mine
7. Better Times
8. 10 Mile Stereo
9. Real Love
10. Take Care
Teen Dream is a big step up from Beach House's previous albums. While I enjoyed their old albums, I found they were quite similar; there was no dynamic from debut to sophomore record. Teen Dream, however, demonstrates a more complete record, which Alex Scally puts down to simply not being on a strict budget, so having more time to go over things on the recordings. The album is produced by New York producer Chris Coady, who regularly works with the likes of Grizzly Bear, TV On The Radio, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The addition of drummers, Dan Franz and Graham Hill also adds depth. In fact, the drums on songs such as Walk In The Park and Lover of Mine, while being simple and easy to play, are quite unique in the sound that has been created, which is one of a number of highlights. The biggest highlight, however, is Victoria Legrand's amazing, unique vocals. She has been compared to legendary female vocalists, Nico and Stevie Nicks, and throughout the album she shows us why these comparisons are not too far off the mark. From the very first vocal harmony in Zebra, I felt a strong prescence drawing attention to her dreamy singing voice, combined with matching lyrics: "Don't I know you better than the rest, All deception from you." Alex Scally's guitar and piano playing is also rather unique (a word I seem to be using a lot in this review) in its style and technique, not something you hear on your everyday pop record. The dreamy atmosphere in songs like Norway and Used To Be indicates that everything is heading in the same direction on this record.
A fantastic listen from one of the best "unknown" (I don't know about the US and other countries, but they are certainly unknown here in Australia) bands in the world.
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