The Big Sigh
Beach House's warm embrace
By Audra Schroeder, 2:43PM, Fri. Apr. 23, 2010
It's fun to see the evolution of a band, to be invested enough, from first LP to present, to make mental notes and sense a shift. Last night, Beach House's shift was marked with a big "sold out" sign on Emo's outside stage door.
When I reviewed the duo's third LP, Teen Dream, I didn't think it was quite a masterpiece. A few listens later, I still say it's a solid third LP, but it grows on you. You find nuances here and there. Put that against 2006's self-titled debut, and it's like comparing suede to silk.
When Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally played Emo's Lounge in 2008, behind second album Devotion, their tropical-themed backdrop mirrored their sound: love songs that are easy and breezy. Teen Dream definitely adds to that, namely with the addition of an actual drummer. "Norway," "Used to Be," and "Silver Soul" sounded fuller, as did older songs "Gila" and "Heart of Chambers."
Legrand, center stage behind the keys, was the focus, a waterfall of hair surrounding her face. Her voice is one of those rare androgynous blends; at one point, a gust of wind accompanied one of her heartier howls, and I don't think it was coincidence. There were a few points where Scally's deft guitar work got loud, and Legrand headbanged until her hair whirled into a tornadic force all its own.
The horrible term "chill out" has been attached to Beach House in the past, but I'd like to think they've gotten past that. There was more polish and structure to the set, more ideas and arrangements that showed momentum. They kept the audience's attention for the hour and the energy felt good. Evolution in action.
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