Beach House – Depression Cherry
Sub Pop Recordings
Beach House is nearly more than a decade old, having formed in 2004. They’re a dream rock duo from Baltimore, Maryland. Releasing their fifth studio album Depression Cherry August 28th, 2015, Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand are not slowing down anytime soon.
The new LP is very different from their other work because in its entirety it’s a very consistent tone. There’s not a song that seems out of line. Levitation is the first track, baring trademark cymbal shakes and quick organ noises. Legrands heavy voice lazily sings, “I’ll go anywhere you want to. You should see, there’s a place I want to take you. When the train comes I will hold you. Cause you blow my mind.” It’s very heavy sounding, like something’s ready to burst. “Sparks” starts with an electric guitar scratchily playing and a deep drum. You can hear both Alex and Victoria singing the lyrics together. It’s a mystifying atmosphere created by the rising and falling wailing siren. “Space Song” is a lot of fun. Bubbly keys play like droplets hitting an electric drum. “It was late at night. You held on tight from an empty seat, a flash of light. It will take a while, to make you smile. Somewhere in these eyes I’m on your side.” 10:37 steps slowly over its instruments, hypnotizing the listener with a huffing chorus and reverberating vocals. PPP plays like a mix between classic and modern pop. The song names are sweet words with positive connotations, like Wildflower and Bluebird. It speaks to the idea that even if you’re feeling sad, there’s hope.
The albums name, like these songs, is bittersweet. The lyrics are uplifting, soothing, and Legrand’s voice lulls you through a dream, but the instruments create a sullen atmosphere, like there’s a longing. It’s wonderfully composed and elicits a wanting for catharsis. The new album Depression Cherry is a soothing lullaby that’s a great example of Beach Houses capabilities and reason for their success.