Quite simply, Baltimore duo Beach House reach new heights with Teen Dream. Consisting of vocalist Victoria Legrand and multi-instrumentalist Alex Scally, together they weave a beautiful album comprised of lilting guitar lines, humming organ/key melodies and Victoria's haunting croon.
The band's first album on Sub Pop records truly showcases the growth and consistency this act has managed over the course of three albums and six or so years. All the while, delivering and surpassing any buzz or expectations that were laid before them to date. The band's critically acclaimed second album, Devotion, vaulted them to the indie pop spotlight. And with a relentless support tour schedule in 2009 with heavyweights like Grizzly Bear and The Walkmen, the band has been afforded (deservedly so) the all anticipated lime-light of 2010.
The album itself isn't a terrible departure from what you would expect of them, it's just that it could be considered near perfect for the niche they have created within themselves. Easily accessible for those that are not familiar and beyond pleasing to those that already enjoy.
The lyrical theme of the album seems to be that of heart break or emptiness, although these themes can easily get lost in the dreamy, atmospheric melodies these two create. In one of many stand-outs, "Used To Be" questions those that have changed and grown apart from love. Painstakingly familiar to all those that listen and so pleasurable to the audible senses, it can still manage to bring a smile to your face.
The album is accompanied by a DVD with videos made for each track. Various directors take on the task of creating a visual scenery to match the sunny haze that are laid before them, and for the most part, they succeed.
Beach House has an extensive tour itinerary this spring, taking them around the world and back again. A brief headlining stint through the States (with lo-fi minimalist Washed Out to open) and a Saturday date at Coachella provides ample opportunity to catch them display their beautiful soundscape on stage.
This dream only gets better with time and it's quite possible that this album will lilt it's way into album of the year status.
They have provided a free download of first single Norway and be sure to view one of the many beautiful clips that accompany the album.
Beach House - Norway
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