Beach House - Teen Dream

It may have been with a little trepidation that some awaited the latest release from Beach House, as they found themselves asking “Where can they go next?” Indeed, the duo seemed to have found and near-perfected their niche sound. Their eponymous debut back in 2006 laid down the blueprint for this sound - slow dreamy soundscapes. Guitarist Alex Scally weaved his swooning guitar lines, which combined with Legrand’s retro organ-voiced keyboards, provided the backdrop for Legrand’s breathy Nico-esque vocals, the focal point of their sound. The result was a pleasant enough album, but one which only boasted one or two memorable songs. 2008’s charming follow-up ‘Devotion’ marked a considerable step up: their sound honed, far richer, though still perhaps a little one dimensional at times. The same formula was there with each song built around an elegant vocal hook.

‘Teen Dream’ combines the best elements of Devotion with a fresh and adventurous songwriting direction. A couple of songs even dare to break into the relative breakneck speed of mid-high tempo. On first listen one could be forgiven for suspecting this is going to be Devotion 2.0, with probably only the anthemic ‘Norway’ standing out. However, upon subsequent listening the true depth of the composition is revealed. Opener ‘Zebra’ sets the standard; the sound is more focused and full whilst remaining as ethereal as ever, this is certainly in part due to the stewardship of Chris Coady, the producer who has previously worked with ‘TV on the Radio’ and ‘Yeah Yeah Yeahs’.

‘Zebra’ along with ‘Norway’ and ‘Lover of Mine’ represent a more pop direction on one face of the record, the latter representing a move into near 80’s synth-pop. The duo sound more confident in their approach, possibly benefiting from recent extensive touring. Elsewhere on the record there is refinement with their trademark sound, perhaps Teen Dream’s finest moments come on ‘Silver Soul’ and closer “Take Care” which seem to represent some sort of culmination of their previous efforts. Their almost tantric slow-groove and repeated refrains are the closest they’ve come to perfecting their signature sound. The lavish sweep of ‘10 Mile Stereo’ is an example of the more experimental undercurrent present on the record, as well as a demonstration of the more layered production. As with their previous efforts the crowning glory of Beach House is Legrand’s voice, so lush and full that at times it seems to self-harmonise; ‘Real Love’ is a stripped down piano ballad that brings this to the fore and also demonstrates a previously unheard haunting vocal range on her part.

Teen Dream is a realisation of potential displayed on previous albums which also explores new directions. And whilst this album will no doubt appeal to a larger audience than their previous efforts, with its fuller, layered sound and pop hooks, it still maintains the dreamy allure of their work on Devotion, in particular. It should be very well received by hardcore fans.

Listen now on Spotify

Steve