Anti- Depression Cherry: Beach House Excites with Latest Release

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Alex Scally and Victoria LeGrande of Beach House. Depression Cherry was released August 28th.

   As the school year begins, and the familiar pressures of homework, sports and extracurriculars start dampening the spirit, a transitional soundtrack is necessary for survival.  Depression Cherry, the new album from Baltimore based, dream pop duo Beach House is just the antidote to the beginning of school blues. This new EP explores imaginative musical territories lying somewhere between ethereal lullaby and upbeat ambience, and will certainly help mitigate the headache of any workload.

  Depression Cherry, which was released August 28th through Mistletone, Bella Union and Sub Pop records, is a collaboration with renowned producer Chris Coady, who is known for his work with big indie names such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, and Grizzly Bear. It is the band’s fifth studio album, and their last release since the spectacular 2012 EP Bloom.  Bloom, which featured idiosyncratic, anthemic tracks like “Myth and Lazuli,” was one of the most memorable albums of that year.  The duo proved their ability to churn out consistently listenable music as well as solidified their handle on the indie dream pop genre.  As the 2012 album utilized complex, heavy production, and provided distinctive significance track by track, Depression Cherry has a rare and gorgeous fluidity throughout the tracklist.

  With emphasis on lead singer Victoria Legrand’s versatile, operatic vocal ability, and utilizing minimalistic production, Beach House’s signature sound morphs into something new and interesting, a brand new take on the modern independent pop music scene that takes listeners on a spaced out, radical journey through the collective mind of a duo that is daring to something different with the genre. Beach House locates and explores an area of sound that utilizes aspects of mid-nineties shoegaze, psychedelic rock and mellow ambience that definitely deserves a thorough listen.  

Best Tracks

   “10:37is one of the shortest songs on the album, lasting just under four minutes. Despite its brevity, the fifth track of the album is certainly one of the most passionate tunes included on Depression Cherry. Victoria LeGrande’s lulling vocals weave into the relaxed ambience like an instrument.  Sonically pleasing organ tones, electronic drums and background production create a pleasingly jazzy rhythm, while multi-instrumentalist Alex Scally’s simple but agreeable guitar riff provides a comprehensive aspect to the melody. Lyrically, the song touches on the effects of a misguided relationship and the power of regret. LeGrande introduces her lyrical prowess by belting in passionate but controlled falsetto, “chances are like night disappeared/ caught in the atmosphere.”  “10:37” is ideal music to sulk with or simply to relax to, and  is an exceptional addition to the album.

  “Sparks,” the second track on the album, achieves its listenability through passionate lyricism, paired with a classic dream pop ensemble.  The song opens with a piercing reverbed guitar solo accompanied by a background of sweeping organ-based production. About thirty seconds into the strangely compelling ambience, LeGrande provides her shade of thoughtful lyricism with her signature operatic voice. As she belts out introspective lyrics regarding the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone, it is impossible not to feel the personal significance of each line. Continuous, enthusiastic riffs from Scally, and simplistic but originative production from Coady create an excellent instrumental backdrop for the powerful lyrics.  “Sparks” is a thoroughly enjoyable musical gem that merits special attention.

Depression Cherry serves up a potent dose of independent pop intricacy.  Whether you’re a general music enthusiast, or just looking for an something new and different, be sure to give this album a comprehensive listen.