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
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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Artists commented on by jmgurley @ drizzle.com |
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