Depression Cherry
Beach House
(Sub Pop)
Four stars
Consistent might be a dirty word for a group as visionary as Beach House. Reliable is a better one. You know exactly what to expect from the Baltimore dream-pop duo by this point and they have yet to disappoint.
Depression Cherry continues a run of remarkably sumptuous, evocative records. Victoria Legrand's voice – one of the boldest and most recognisable in recording today – has never sounded softer, more confident or downright pretty as it does here.
Alex Scally continues to astound with his instrumental experimentation, especially on the first three tracks, Levitation, Sparks and the delightful Space Song. While the album breezes by a bit hazily (or dreamlike, as it were), as it progresses you always know you're floating safely in a world that Beach House have created – and you're happy to be there.
“There’s a place I want to take you, where the unknown will surround you”, Legrand repeatedly lilts on the opener to this excellent fifth release. With a winning streak such as the one Beach House are on, you’re only compelled to grab her hand and float with her.
kjeffers@thenational.ae
