Sea Change

As a native Floridian, my recent relocation to Atlanta has me feeling a little cold. At times it's almost unbearable. Ok, so my feet and hands are frozen, you guys. Seriously!

Perhaps that why there's nothing I crave more right now than some sand beneath my feet, the sea breeze nipping at my heels and the kind of oppressive sun that now seems like a distant memory.


This also might explain why, after months and months of Internet raves, I finally broke down and listened to Baltimore band Beach House. Though some of you probably think I'm behind the times, I figure this review will still be news to our international readers: Beach House's self-titled debut will be released in Australia this month on Mistletone Records, the label also responsible for discs by AM radio junkie Ariel Pink and the artist formally known as Panda Bear.

Despite these ties to the kings of fuzz and scratchy, muffled vocals, Beach House share more similarities with that other coastal crew, the Beach Boys. Moving melodies intersperse with jangly beats and wisps of airy sound to create tunes that are emotionally charged, not theme-y.

To enhance that point, it's important to make certain distinctions. For instance, Beach House's sound evokes feelings one generally associates with being in nature, particularly the type made of sun and surf. From a stylistic standpoint, however, guitarist Alex Scally and singer/organist Victoria Legrand are the farthest thing from flip-flop wearing, bear-guzzling beach bums as is humanly possible. The two visually and in song channel a young Karen Carpenter and co. They're the kind to don flow-y frocks on the sand rather than bathing suits and tan-ready skin.

Similarly, the duo's debut is not really reminiscent of summer itself, but the sinking sentiment that comes when warm season is nearly over; the swelling sadness that arrives when the days are suddenly shorter and gray, chilly skies have started to encroach on the leisurely pace of holiday life.

Much like Yo La Tengo and Mazzy Star, Beach House lets notes breathe. Scally and Legrand's individual contributions complement and intertwine with one another effortlessly without ever competing for domination. Space - particularly vintage-sounding, rustic space - is an important tool, one Beach House uses to tantalizing effect.

If you are only now gaining the opportunity to take an aural vacation with Beach House, make haste. Your ears will thank you. And if you're lucky, they might even bring you along for the ride.

From Beach House (Order @ Carpark Records):
Apple Orchard
+ Myspace

Keep bootscootin,
Amy