Beach House
Teen Dream

Transitioning from the independent label Carpark to the historic and renowned Sub Pop was quite a bold move for the Baltimore duo. From an economic standpoint, they certainly benefited, and how; but in the purely musical sense, there aren't great innovations, despite the album being lovely and effective.

"Teen Dream" is the album of lightness and adolescent cheerfulness, as the name already implies. It doesn't stray far from the sounds and atmospheres of the previous "Devotion"; indeed, Beach House aim to delve deeper into what already appeared in that work, updating it, however, with melodies that take shape and fade, without exceptions and style changes within the minutes (never too many) of a song. Thus giving that sense of sophistication and pop immediacy. Take, for example, the first single released, "Norway", sensual and energetic just right, in short, a hit. The even more melodic "Walk In The Park" succeeds even more, with its wide, effervescent choral opening in the chorus probably placing it as the most accomplished piece. From here, you'll notice the constant presence of moderately electronic beats, certainly important for forming that particular taste and mood.

Other sunny and very summery tracks are the youthful "Zebra" or the danceable "Used To Be", which stand out from other more phlegmatic and slowcore moments, like the more autumnal "Silver Soul", "Better Times", and the eighties "Lover Of Mine". Accelerated and misleading beats can be found in the almost baffling "10 Mile Stereo", here even reaching a certain electro-gaze confusion reminiscent of M83. The only tiring and not noteworthy pieces are present at the end with the poorly executed ballad "Real Love" and the timid "Take Care".

So, if the album in question does not make Beach House soar the proverbial heights, it still manages to assign them a privileged role in the dream-pop scene, thanks to beautiful songs with a summery vibe yet spiced up with autumnal and ever so placid glimmers.

Rating: 7.5/10