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Beach House


Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Dreamy alternative pop

Status:

Most recent release, 7 (2018)

See also:

Beach House's site

Sub Pop's page for Beach House

Wikipedia's entry on Beach House

Comparisons:

Elements of Cocteau Twins, Cat Power, Mazzy Star

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

You might think a band named "Beach House" would produce sunny and lighthearted music. but what they deliver is sadcore at its finest. The songs are gloomy, spacious, haunting. Victoria Legrand's dreamy vocals drift over sleepy soundscapes. If a comparison must be made, think Cat Power mixed with Mazzy Star? But they still have a style and mood all their own. What a fantastic discovery! (lasherboy@gmail.com)

Recommended first album:

Beach House or Teen Dream

Recordings:

  • Beach House (2006)
  • Devotion (2008)
  • Teen Dream (2010)
  • Bloom (2012)
  • Depression Cherry (2015)
  • Thank Your Lucky Stars (2015)
  • B-Sides And Rarities (compilation, 2017)
  • 7 (2018)

Beach House

Release info:

2006—Universal AB/Bella Union

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Comments:

Their self-titled remains my favorite. (lasherboy@gmail.com)

Devotion

Release info:

2008—Bella Union

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Victoria Legrand—keyboards, organ, vocals
Alex Scally—drums, guitar, organ, tape recorders

Comments:

Their self-titled debut was a revelation, yet their follow-up felt like a step backward, somehow. It's missing the fragile innocence of their first. They still intrigue me and I'll still look forward to more music from them, but Devotion left me wanting more. (lasherboy@gmail.com)

Teen Dream

Release info:

2010—SubPop—SPCD 845

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Victoria Legrand—vocals, keyboards, organs, bells
Alex Scally—guitar, basses, organs, piano, harmony vocals, 4-track
Dan Franz—drums (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10); percussion (1, 2, 7)
Graham Hill—drums (2, 9; percussion (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)

Produced by:

Chris Coady and Beach House

Comments:

We've played this album to death this year—unfortunately it's going to be a while before I'm ready to listen again. Still, it's really catchy and has a lovely energetic dreaminess, and so is highly recommended for any dreampop fans. (Neile)

Bloom

Release info:

2012—SubPop—SP 965

Availability:

Wide

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Victoria Legrand—vocals, keyboards, organ, piano
Alex Scally—guitar, basses, piano, organ, keyboards, backing vocals

Guest artists:

Daniel Franz—drums, percussion

Produced by:

Chris Coady and Beach House

Comments:

A natural progression from Teen Dream, nothing startling different but still satisfying overall. (jmgurley@drizzle.com)

Bloom is the best release from this band since their 2006 debut. I had nearly given up on the band, but Bloom has restored my faith. Soaring, beautiful dream-pop anthems. Songs like "Myth", "Lazuli" and "Wishes" showcase what this band does best—haunting vocals amongst shimmering layers of sound. (lasherboy@gmail.com)


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DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.

Entry last updated 2018-12-30 19:53:00.
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